2009 year Press Release
When one is trouble, the real help is action from others! When disasters occur, and victims are in desperate need of humanitarian aid, Taiwan never falls behind in providing humanitarian medical assistance on time. Among the missions, theres a team that has gone through professional rescue training called TaiwanIHA (Taiwan International Health Action).Taiwan medical relief - Light up hope and discover love
Using “soft power” in the world
The best method to establish high exposure in the international community is making use of soft power in participating in international affairs. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan established a cross-ministry humanitarian medical rescue team called TaiwanIHA. The best way to demonstrate soft power and voice to the world is by integrating domestic healthcare manpower and resources to engage in international rescue missions.
Establishing medical bridge Altruistic contribution to the global village
Immediate dispatch of personnel and resources to the disaster region
Since its inception 3 years ago, TaiwanIHA has left its footprints in Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Peru, Ecuador and Myanmar. Not only did it provide emergency humanitarian medical assistance in the landslide disaster of Philippines, but also participated in the Dubai International Health Aid and Development (DIHAD). This year, TaiwanIHA signed a MOU with Asia Medical Doctors Association, which formalized its role as an international health partner. As the same time, it is actively organizing Global Forum for Health Leaders that shows it is fulfilling its dream of borderless health contribution.
Zimbabwe, a country situated in central Africa, recently experienced a severe Cholera outbreak. The Zimbabwe government was unable to contain the outbreak and sought assistance from the international community. TaiwanIHA immediate coordinated this mission with the Taiwan health specialist stationed in Swaziland, with the Taipei Liaison Office in Republic of South Africa procuring the medical supplies needed.
Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe Humanitarian medicine without borders
After the assistance by the international health community and TaiwanIHA, the Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe has been reduced. TaiwanIHA wish to deliver the medical services of Taiwan to places in need. No matter allied, friendly or non-ally countries, as long as there is a disaster, Taiwan is willing to lend a hand in expression of our passion for humanitarian care and contribution to international community said Director-General Yang Che-Ming, Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Health and Welfare. He further comments that humanitarian medicine knows no borders, and TaiwanIHA only hopes for the recognition of its contribution to the global public health system by the international community, because Taiwan is also a part of this system.
TaiwanIHA youth volunteers the starting point for passion and ideal
In order to spread the seed of passion by nurturing more medical rescue personnel, TaiwanIHA expanded the recruitment of youth volunteers of 18 to 35. Director Yang indicates that the medical youth volunteer project of TaiwanIHA is to follow through the idea of benefitting others. Especially as a member of the global village, we cannot rid ourselves of the responsibilities in event of disease, disaster and war. Therefore, it is imperative that we fulfill our responsibilities as a global citizen and actively participate in the international community.
Action speaks louder than words Let the world see the love of Taiwan
At the moment, the youth volunteer range of services have diversified, including going abroad for more learning opportunities. Dr. Yang elaborates that TaiwanIHA is selecting volunteers with high passion for service to assist at the Taiwan Health Center of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Solomon Islands and Marshal Islands. The project will last for a month or two, for the volunteers to understand the operation of foreign medical assistance and expand their vision. Dr. Yang says You will only be young once. TaiwanIHA welcomes passionate youth with open arms to fulfill the dream of helping the world.