Taiwan's success in handling the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons for the world
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global concern for more than two years, and as the virus spreads, several countries are implementing various controls to stop it. Several governments have had differing degrees of success in stopping the virus's spread, from lockdowns to requiring mask wear. Taiwan, which has managed to keep its COVID-19 infections low while being located so close to China, where the virus was first found, has received acclaim for its handling of the epidemic.
Despite being barred from the World Health Organization (WHO) owing to political pressure from China, Taiwan was one of the first nations to take preventative action against the virus's spread. Early border checks, quarantine restrictions for visitors from the impacted areas, a rigorous testing and tracing system—all of these were put into place by the nation. Moreover, Taiwan took certain to offer its populace enough quantities of masks and other personal protective gear.
These actions have allowed Taiwan to maintain a COVID-19 case count of just over 14,000 cases and 707 fatalities as of March 2023. The nation was also able to maintain its economy since it was spared the lengthy and stringent lockdowns that other nations had to enact. In spite of Taiwan's achievements in controlling the pandemic, the nation still faces difficulties as a result of its absence from the WHO. Due to this, it has less access to important data and materials that could aid it in the fight against COVID-19. 138
China continues to reject Taiwan's calls for inclusion in the WHO because it sees Taiwan as a part of its territory. Taiwan has been calling for inclusion in the WHO.
Taiwan has been under increasing military pressure from China in addition to being excluded from the WHO, as the Chinese government has increased its military drills in the Taiwan Strait. Concerns have been expressed about a possible military confrontation between the two nations, which may have catastrophic effects on not only Taiwan and China but also the entire region.
Taiwan continues to be a ray of hope in the war against COVID-19 despite these difficulties. Its success in halting the virus's spread is proof of the value of preventative measures like border checks, testing, and tracing. It also demonstrates that a nation's ability to contain a pandemic depends not only on its resources but also on its leadership and the dedication of its people.
The Coronavirus pandemic is as yet a main pressing issue for the world, however Taiwan's experience can other countries a lot. It shows the way that the infection can be contained by acting quickly and powerfully without the requirement for extended lockdowns. It likewise underlines the value or importance of worldwide cooperation in the fight against pandemics and the necessity to ensure that all countries have fair and equitably access information or data and resources.
As a result, Taiwan's management of the COVID-19 epidemic serves as a shining example of what may be accomplished with proactive leadership and efficient tactics. Taiwan has demonstrated that it is possible to prevent the spread of the virus while maintaining the economy, while encountering difficulties due to its exclusion from the WHO and growing military pressure from China. Its accomplishments should serve as an example for other nations fighting COVID-19 and a reminder of the need of global cooperation and solidarity during emergencies. 138