With dedication and perseverance for the past 22 years, The European Federation of Taiwan Health Alliance (EFTHA) once again demonstrated its support for Taiwan by participating in a parade in Geneva on 26th May during the "Walk the Talk" event hosted by the World Health Organization. This year also marked the 22nd EFTHA Annual Group Meeting, coordinated by the newly elected board committee.
Albeit Taiwan's exclusion by the WHO during the pandemic, its High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) policies against the COVID-19 virus have drawn the attention of numerous international forums to the high standards of Taiwan's healthcare system. As one of the first European Taiwanese medical societies, EFTHA has upheld the basic health rights of 23 million Taiwanese people for the past 22 years. This year, generations of European Taiwanese medical professionals, both old and young, gathered in Geneva on 25th May and hosted a seminar on stroke. Dr Chungwan Lo, currently a PhD candidate at The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS Germany, presented on the epidemiology of stroke and the current WHO Health and Prevention Goals for 2050. Dr Ming-Chih Tsai, a Critical Care Specialist from Oxford University Hospitals, discussed the symptoms and diagnosis of stroke. Lastly, Miss Chen Yen Jan, a senior nurse from Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin, shared her expertise on nursing care for stroke patients during the rehabilitation period.
Furthermore, the Minister of Health and Welfare of Taiwan, Tai-yuan Chiu, led government officials in attending the EFTHA Seminar and expressed their support with a motivational speech. Minister Chiu emphasised the importance of overseas Taiwanese healthcare professionals representing the excellence of Taiwan's healthcare system and skills.
On Sunday, 26th May, the new EFTHA CEO, Dr Lo, led the team in joining the "Walk the Talk" Parade hosted by the WHO, symbolising that Taiwan could be part of the WHA. Thereafter, EFTHA participated in the local Taiwanese campaign for #TaiwanCanHelp and #HealthForAll in the afternoon along the lakeside of Lake Geneva. The day concluded with group photographs of all overseas Taiwanese communities who had travelled far to support Taiwan's bid to join the WHA.
