Letters | Coronavirus: Shutting out Taiwan only hurts global efforts to beat Covid-19

Most societies worldwide have yet to effectively contain the spread of the coronavirus. Taiwan is a notable exception. Due to its proximity to mainland China, where the outbreak began, Taiwan faced a high risk of a large epidemic. Yet, as of May 6, Taiwan had only 439 confirmed cases and six deaths, quite low for a population of nearly 24 million.

Taiwan’s achievements are especially significant since it is not a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO). From 2009-2016, Taiwan was an observer to the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s decision-making organ. Since then, China has blocked Taiwan’s observer status in the WHA for political reasons.

The coronavirus hit the rest of the world just before Lunar New Year, when many people travel. In Taiwan, the government quickly put in place measures to protect public health. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak in 2003 had forced Taiwan to increase its preparedness against infectious diseases, including establishing a Central Epidemic Command Centre which the government activated this year in January. Taiwan also mobilised the military to increase the production and distribution of medical supplies, including face masks. Mask production in Taiwan is now at 17 million pieces per day.

Last month, Taiwan began contributing medical supplies to the rest of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Taiwan’s 15 diplomatic allies. Taiwanese health professionals are collaborating with the US and other countries on tests, vaccines and medicines.

Taiwan is emerging more resilient and stronger from the pandemic. Although it has combated the spread of the coronavirus effectively, Taiwan continues to be restricted from taking part in the WHO. For this reason, Taiwan cannot receive essential information from WHO databases available to members.