U.S. Position on Implementation of International Health Regulations

Geneva,
January 26, 2008

The United States supports the universal application of the International Health Regulations (2005), which were discussed at the January 21-26 session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board. 

We are strongly in favor of arrangements that allow the people of Taiwan to benefit from public health programs available through the WHO.  We also have a longstanding policy of supporting meaningful participation, including World Health Assembly observer status, for Taiwan.  The United States does not support Taiwan's membership in organizations such as the WHO that require statehood.