Due to its proximity to China, Taiwan was expected to be one of the countries most severely affected by the pandemic.
But given its experience of fighting the 2003 SARS outbreak, Taiwan has dealt and is dealing well with COVID-19; here is an overview on that.
What was Taiwan’s initial response?
First of all, Taiwan did not ignore the alarms.
It took seriously the evolving official and unofficial accounts, to form a picture of the emerging disease.
Authorities used this information to launch enhanced monitoring in December 2019 itself.
They have tirelessly implemented public health containment measures since Taiwan’s first case was detected in January 2020.
What is the mechanism involved?
After dealing with SARS, Taiwan established a nationwide infectious disease healthcare network.
It provides the legal authority for transferring patients with highly contagious diseases to designated facilities.
This has helped protect health systems and health professionals from being overwhelmed.
It also allowed most non-Covid-19 health services to continue.
What were the other measures?
By acting early and effectively, Taiwan also mitigated the economic impact of Covid-19.
It implemented flexible adjustments for related quarantine measures for vessels and aircraft.
This helped fisheries, offshore wind farms, and air transport industries continue operations.
It ensured maintaining essential international, social, economic, and trade activities.
Furthermore, public trust and cooperation with the government’s response have been key to successfully containing Covid-19.
In formulating disease control regulations, the government has adhered to the principles of reasonable response, minimum damage, and gradual adoption.
It also maintained the balance between people’s right to know and personal privacy and freedom.
It upheld the principle of fairness as well as prioritised the protection of disadvantaged groups, including migrant workers.
Throughout, Taiwan has emphasised the right to health and associated protections and strong opposition to human rights abuses.
Why is Taiwan’s role in COVID handling significant?
As of April 30, 2021, there had been 1,128 confirmed cases, including 12 deaths, in Taiwan.
Life and work have continued much as normal for the majority of the population.
Taiwan’s response to Covid-19 has been one of the world’s success stories.
It plays an indispensable role in the global monitoring and early warning systems that detect the threat of emerging infectious disease.
It has been able to comprehensively participate in and contribute to international Covid-19 supply chain systems, as well as global diagnostics, vaccine, and therapeutics platforms.
It has made significant longstanding contributions to the international community in public health, disease prevention, and the human right to health.
This would allow Taiwan to work with the rest of the world.
These, thus, validate Taiwan’s demand to be included in WHO and its meetings, mechanisms, and activities.
