Winners were notified on July 15, 2026
First Place – Henry Chang
(Excerpt) “Others may object that Taiwan’s participation in the WHA is political, not health-related. But
this is naive and risky. Health matters are not concerned with borders or political status.
Viruses evolve, pathogens move, and health emergencies spill over—disregarding a nation with Taiwan’s potential because of geopolitical interests undermines the global spirit of cooperation and sets a dangerous precedent (Feldwisch-Drentrup, 2021). Global health must be led by science, transparency, and the health of all people, not political exclusions.
The cost of exclusion is not theoretical. In 2003, when Taiwan was severely affected by the SARS epidemic because it lacked direct access to WHO information and support, lives were lost that would have been saved if Taiwan was part of the global coordination network (Wang, 2004). Two decades later, the same currents still prevail, and the perils loom. In a world in which future pandemics are not a question of “if” but “when,” every potential partner should be brought to the table.”
Second Place – Andrew Chang
(Excerpt) “Health threats do not stop at borders, yet politics often get in the way of real solutions. Taiwan’s absence from the World Health Assembly (WHA) is a clear case: a democracy of 23.5 million people (Davidson and Hawkins, 2024), ready to share its knowledge and resources, is shut out of the body that shapes global health policy. This exclusion is not just a diplomatic stub but a crack in our defense against disease. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its ability to contribute vital data, innovative tools, and proven strategies in global health. Every time it is left on the sidelines, we lose insights that could save lives around the globe.
In the end, welcoming Taiwan into the WHA is neither charity nor a political favor—it is a strategic necessity. Taiwan’s quick, transparent pandemic responses, its decades of humanitarian medical missions, and its groundbreaking healthcare innovations all demonstrate the value it brings. Denying Taiwan a place at the table robs us of critical insights, tested methods, and an ally whose resilience underscores that preparation and cooperation are nonnegotiable. Now is the time to raise public health above diplomatic squabbles and recognize that when Taiwan helps, we all grow stronger. Granting Taiwan observer status is not just a gesture of goodwill but an investment in a safer, healthier future for everyone.
This is not simply a matter of politics but a test of our commitment to health as a universal right that must transcend borders and politics. Our ability to respond to future pandemics, build resilient health systems, and uphold the principle that health is a right for all depends on including voices like Taiwan’s. It is time for the international community to act, not just because Taiwan has earned its place but because we cannot afford to leave any partner behind.”
Third Place – Joyce Chen
(Excerpt) “Taiwan remains locked out of the World Health Assembly. Not because it lacks the expertise, resources, or will to contribute—Taiwan has all of those in abundance. But because of politics. The People’s Republic of China uses its influence to block Taiwan’s participation, even as an observer. This exclusion isn’t about healthcare. It’s about geopolitics. And it stands in direct contradiction to the WHO’s mission: to promote health for all, without discrimination.
Health threats don’t respect political boundaries. Viruses don’t check passports. Climate change, antibiotic resistance, and pandemics demand collaboration across borders. If the WHA truly aims to prepare the world for future crises, it must bring all capable partners into the fold, including Taiwan. Ignoring Taiwan’s experience and expertise undermines not just fairness, but effectiveness.
I’ve seen firsthand what Taiwan’s healthcare system can do. I’ve experienced the relief of knowing care is there when you need it. I’ve watched Taiwan navigate a global health emergency with calm, clarity, and generosity. The international community can no longer afford to leave such a capable partner on the sidelines.
Inclusion in the WHA is not a symbolic gesture, it’s a strategic necessity. If we are serious about global health, then we must be serious about including those who can strengthen it. Taiwan deserves a seat at the table. And the world deserves what Taiwan has to offer.”
Call for Essay Submissions
Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California (TAFNC)
WHA for Taiwan | Essay Contest
Submission Deadline: May 15, 2025
Purpose:
- To advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion and participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA)
- To raise awareness of Taiwan’s medical advancements and global health contributions
Essay Guidelines:
- Submissions may be in English or Chinese (Mandarin)
- Essays should directly address one or both of the above purposes
- TAFNC reserves the right to translate essays into English for WHA communication
- Word count: 600–1,200 words
- Format: PDF or Word Document
Who Can Submit:
Open to Northern California residents of all backgrounds, including high school and college students, professionals, and community members
Awards:
First Place: $200 USD
Second Place: $150 USD
Third Place: $100 USD
The First Place essay will be shared with WHA delegates and used to represent our community’s stance on Taiwan’s global health engagement.
Submission Instructions:
Please send your essay by May 15, 2025 to:
Google Form: https://forms.gle/1HMmS38TuteFjxxZ9 (preferred)
OR submit via email to:
Leona, Secretary of TAFNC
Email: tafnc.org(@)gmail.com
Subject: WHA Essay – [Name]
徵文比賽
北加州台灣人聯合會（TAFNC）
WHA for Taiwan | 徵文活動
截止日期：2025年5月15日
目的：
- 呼籲台灣參與世界衛生大會（WHA）
- 提升對台灣在醫療技術與全球健康貢獻的認識
徵文說明：
- 可用英文或中文（繁體）撰寫
- 文章主題須符合以上任一目的
- 主辦單位有權翻譯為英文以轉交給WHA代表
- 字數限制：600–1,200字
- 格式：PDF或Word檔案
參賽資格：
歡迎北加州各族裔居民參加
包含高中、大學生、專業人士、社區成員皆可投稿
可個人或小組參賽（最多3人合寫一篇）
獎金：
第一名：美金$200
第二名：美金$150
第三名：美金$100
第一名得獎文章將呈交WHA，作為我們社區支持台灣加入WHA的立場表達。
投稿方式：
請於2025年5月15日前寄送您的文章至：
Google Form: https://forms.gle/1HMmS38TuteFjxxZ9 (preferred)
OR submit via email to:
Leona（北加州台灣人聯合會秘書）
電子郵件：tafnc.org(@)gmail.com
Subject: WHA Essay – [Name]
比賽評審介紹
Dr. Yeamow Chen
榮譽教授，加州州立大學舊金山分校
Emeritus Professor, San Francisco State University
Shirley Yu
北加州台灣商會 WHA委員會 主席
Chair, WHA Committee, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California
John Hsieh
Love of Taiwan 主席
Chair, Love of Taiwan Association