THE TAIWAN MODEL:
Taiwan’s Experiences Can Serve the Common Good When the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first appeared in China in late 2019, Taiwan was predicted to be the next in line to bear the brunt of the deadly outbreak, given its geographic proximity to and close people-to-people exchanges with China. Months later, Taiwan proves to be one of the least affected countries with 441 infections, of which 350 were imported, and seven deaths as of May 26. It has seen zero local infection for 44 consecutive days. Taiwan has since been hailed as a democratic model of excellence in fighting the disease. This “Taiwan Model” takes shape from the hard lessons learned during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, which raised public awareness of self-protection in the face of an epidemic. At that time, Taiwan was excluded from participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). Its access to WHO information and associated channels was very limited. The government had to fight the disease alone for months. Committed to becoming self-reliant, Taiwan has since strengthened its disease prevention mechanism and response capacity. Its comprehensive national healthcare system can now easily mobilize enough manpower, hospital
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June 2020 | Taiwan Update
beds, ventilators and critical PPEs in case pan, the European Union, the Philippines, of public health emergency. Turkey and Russia. An improved legal framework also Despite Taiwan’s readiness to join the allows the formation of the Cen- global fight against the COVID-19 pantral Epidemic Command Center. This demic and even with international supwhole-of-government task force began port pouring in for its inclusion, the viroperation as early as January 20, 2020, tual 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) coordinating interagency resources and still proceeded without Taiwan on May manpower to contain COVID-19 through 18 and 19, 2020. unified, decisive efforts including borThe tremendous international support der control, transparency and technolo- extended to Taiwan’s WHO bid this year gy-assisted quarantine. fully demonstrates that its aspirations The people of Taiwan were quick to re- have been widely endorsed by the interspond by wearing masks in public spaces national community. The Government and reducing social activities such as din- of Taiwan has reaffirmed that it will coning and hospital visits. The government tinue to work with diplomatic allies and not only mustered face mask manufac- like-minded countries to gain Observer turers to ramp up production, but also status at the resumed WHA session later implemented distribution mechanisms this year. to meet public demand. Taiwan has much to contribute to The efforts have paid off, but the gov- global health, and in this trying time, the ernment recognizes that Taiwan would world could use Taiwan’s goodwill and not be safe if the rest of the world con- experiences. tinues struggling. It has since been donating much needed supplies, including BY JERRY CHANG medical face masks and thermometers, Director General, Taipei Economic to more than 80 countries worldwide. and Cultural Office in Denver Taiwan has also conducted more than 30 videoconferences to share the successful “Taiwan Model” with governLearn more: ments, think tanks and hospitals from 35 www.roc-taiwan.org/usden countries including the United States, Ja-
