118 STAT. 656 PUBLIC LAW 108–235—JUNE 14, 2004 Public Law 108–235 108th Congress An Act To address the participation of Taiwan in the World Health Organization. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CONCERNING THE PARTICIPATION OF TAIWAN IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: (1) Good health is important to every citizen of the world and access to the highest standards of health information and services is necessary to improve the public health. (2) Direct and unobstructed participation in international health cooperation forums and programs is beneficial for all parts of the world, especially today with the great potential for the cross border spread of various infectious diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, and malaria. (3) Taiwan’s population of 23,500,000 people is greater than that of 3 4 of the member states already in the World Health Organization (WHO). (4) Taiwan’s achievements in the field of health are substantial, including— (A) attaining— (i) 1 of the highest life expectancy levels in Asia; and (ii) maternal and infant mortality rates comparable to those of western countries; (B) eradicating such infectious diseases as cholera, smallpox, the plague, and polio; and (C) providing children with hepatitis B vaccinations. (5) The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its counterpart agencies in Taiwan have enjoyed close collaboration on a wide range of public health issues. (6) In recent years Taiwan has expressed a willingness to assist financially and technically in international aid and health activities supported by the WHO. (7) On January 14, 2001, an earthquake, registering between 7.6 and 7.9 on the Richter scale, struck El Salvador. In response, the Taiwanese Government sent 2 rescue teams, consisting of 90 individuals specializing in firefighting, medi cine, and civil engineering. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also donated $200,000 in relief aid to the Salvadoran Government. (8) The World Health Assembly has allowed observers to participate in the activities of the organization, including the 22 USC 290 note. June 14, 2004 [S. 2092]
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