- Eswatini Delegation Attends Taiwan Reception at WHA79
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Mduduzi Matsebula is leading Eswatini’s delegation at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, where the country has once again reaffirmed its strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Minister Matsebula attended a special reception hosted by Taiwan for its allied states on the sidelines of the global health gathering. During the event, he was warmly welcomed by Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, and Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang.
The leaders exchanged pleasantries and reaffirmed longstanding relations between Taiwan and Eswatini, which remains Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa.
Taiwan Continues Campaign for Inclusion In Global Health Talks
Although Taiwan is not officially recognised as a member of the World Health Organization and has once again been excluded from the World Health Assembly, the country has still sent a high-level delegation to Geneva to participate in side events and international health discussions.
Taiwan has not been invited to attend the World Health Assembly since 2016 due to pressure from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory under the “One China” principle. Beijing has consistently blocked Taiwan’s participation in several United Nations bodies, including the WHO.
Despite the exclusion, Taiwan says it remains committed to contributing to global healthcare cooperation.
Taiwan Showcases Health Technology and Medical Expertise
During WHA79, Taiwan is hosting several side forums, exhibitions and bilateral meetings aimed at showcasing its healthcare achievements and advocating for meaningful participation in global health systems.
The Taiwanese delegation is promoting:
- Smart healthcare technology
- Digital health systems
- Cancer treatment innovations
- Hepatitis C elimination programmes
- Healthcare resilience strategies
Taiwan has also launched the “Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo” in Geneva to highlight its medical innovation and healthcare systems.
Taiwanese officials argue that excluding the island from global health discussions undermines international cooperation, particularly after Taiwan received international praise for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eswatini And Taiwan Maintain Strong Diplomatic Relations
Eswatini and Taiwan have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation spanning:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Education
- Infrastructure development
- Technology
Taiwan has funded and supported numerous development projects in Eswatini, particularly within the health sector.
The World Health Assembly, currently underway in Geneva, brings together health ministers and officials from across the globe to discuss international health policies, disease prevention and healthcare cooperation.
Sources
- Eswatini Government
- Reuters
- Focus Taiwan
- Taipei Times
- Taiwan News
- RTI Taiwan
