"Urging the United States Congress to support the granting of official Observer Status to the Republic of China at the World Health Assembly Annual Conference to be held at Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2006. "

The World Health Organization (WHO) was created as a way to promote to the highest possible level the general health and wellbeing of all people in the world. This Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to endorse Taiwan's efforts to become an Observer at the World Health Assembly (WHA). This would allow Taiwan to have immediate firsthand information that they can use to promote the health of their people, as well as contribute to international health activities supported by WHO. With a population of 23 million, there is an appropriate need for Taiwan to be included as an Observer to these vital discussions.

SARS and the current strain of avian influenza originated in the East Asian region of the world and threatens the health of all people, regardless of political borders. The information that Taiwan could gather from the World Health Assembly could allow further information, identification, and prevention of more widespread outbreaks of these two potentially pandemic diseases. The strides and achievements that Taiwan has made in the fields of public health can be enhanced by their admission as an Observer to the World Health Organization.

I ask for your support of HJR 36 to encourage the World Health Assembly's acceptance of Taiwan as an Official Observer.

# # #