Yahoo News 2026.5.18
During the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 17 to 19, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned TAITRA to organize the “Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo”, highlighting Taiwan’s achievements in smart healthcare and medical innovation. The exhibition attracted strong international attention on its opening day, welcoming numerous visitors, ministerial delegations from allied nations, and representatives from global healthcare organizations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that a total of 613 distinguished guests attended the opening event, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Health Daniel Cummings, Haiti Minister of Health Dr. Bertrand Sinal, and senior representatives from leading international medical organizations such as the World Heart Federation, World Medical Association, International Hospital Federation, International Council of Nurses, and International Medical Informatics Association. Their participation demonstrated Taiwan’s indispensable role in strengthening global health resilience.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to advancing “integrated diplomacy” and promoting “medical diplomacy.” This year’s exhibition adopted the slogan “WHO Cares? TAIWAN Cares!” with the visual theme “Chip in with Taiwan,” showcasing Taiwan’s leadership in semiconductor and AI technologies while highlighting its key role in the global smart healthcare supply chain.
Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang introduced three major forums organized during the exhibition, covering topics including smart healthcare, cancer policy and innovation, and global hepatitis C elimination efforts. He reiterated Taiwan’s readiness to contribute further to global public health and called on WHO member states to support Taiwan’s participation in the WHA and inclusion in the WHO.
The exhibition brought together 30 leading Taiwanese hospitals and healthcare companies across three major zones: Innovative Medical Institutions, Smart Healthcare, and Resilient Healthcare. Participating organizations included major medical centers and technology companies such as Quanta Computer, Acer Medical, NanoRay Biotech, and other innovators in AI-assisted diagnostics, smart medical devices, precision medicine, and preventive healthcare.
Addressing the WHA 79 theme, “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” Minister Lin once again urged the WHO Secretariat to recognize Taiwan’s significant contributions to global public health and pandemic preparedness. Through public-private collaboration, the exhibition demonstrated Taiwan’s advanced healthcare capabilities and its commitment to improving global healthcare quality and accessibility.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang Pose for a Group Photo with Representatives from 30 Participating Exhibitors.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.