The Taiwan Model

Context: The model adopted by Taiwan in handling the pandemic had its successes and needs to be a part of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) mechanism.

Steps taken by Taiwan to tackle the pandemic

• Developed monitoring and early warning systems: Due to its proximity to China, Taiwan proactively pieced together official and unofficial accounts to form a picture of emerging disease implying its scope and severity.
  • Authorities used this information to launch enhanced monitoring in Dec 2019 and have tirelessly implemented public health containment measures since the first case in Jan 2020.
• Established a nationwide infectious disease healthcare network: Which provides the legal authority for transferring patients with highly contagious diseases to designated facilities.
• Mitigated the economic impact:
  • Implemented flexible adjustments for related quarantine measures for vessels and aircraft so that fisheries, offshore wind farms, and air transport industries could continue operations.
• Maintained public trust and cooperation: In formulating disease control regulations, the government has adhered to the principles of reasonable response, minimum damage, and gradual adoption.
  • It also maintains the balance between people’s right to know and personal privacy and freedom, actively responding to people’s wishes by upholding the principle of fairness at the same time as prioritising the protection of disadvantaged groups, including migrant workers.
  • This also echoes the mantra of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals; no one should be left behind.