SARS and WHO

April 25, 2003 

SAINT LOUIS POST DISPATCH 

To the Editor: SARS is a threat to the lives and livelihood of all of us as it careens throughout the world, especially Hong Kong and China, halting business, tourism and simple daily activities. Taiwan stands out as one place in eastern Asia where a strong set of medical professionals, along with a democratically elected government committed to its citizens, have taken necessary measures to insure this deadly disease is contained. Taiwan's actions forcefully contrast with those of China, where the autocrats in Beijing tried desperately to cover up the full impact of SARS, and have thus worsened its effect. 

China's leadership has finally begun to move and take SARS seriously by sacking the mayor of Beijing and the Minister of Health. Another important step Chinese officials should take is to respect the right of the Taiwanese people to join the World Health Organization. China's continued objection to Taiwan's participation in the WHO effectively blocks Taiwan from sharing in vital WHO information about SARS and from contributing to the international effort to stop this viral catastrophe. 

It is high time for Beijing and the nations of the world to recognize Taiwan as a valued member of the world community and accept Taiwan's WHO membership application. 

Kun T. Liao, M.D.

Town and Country