78R15589 CME-D

By:  Chavez                                                     H.C.R. No. 259



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of 
health is a fundamental right of every human being without regard to 
race, religion, political belief, or economic or social condition;  
in an era when the peoples of the world have become increasingly 
connected and interdependent, more than ever before ensuring 
optimum levels of public health is a global concern essential to the 
continued well-being of humankind; and
	WHEREAS, Providing access to health information and the 
services crucial to improved and sustained public health,  the 
World Health Organization (WHO) has worked since its inception 
toward the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level 
of health; and
	WHEREAS, Key to fulfilling the mission of WHO is the 
leadership provided by the 192 member nations who convene annually 
as the organization's policymaking body, the World Health Assembly; 
these countries have long recognized that direct, unobstructed 
participation in international health programs and forums is 
critical to limiting the spread of disease and achieving world 
health; and
	WHEREAS, In keeping with the principles of WHO's charge, the 
United States and the European Parliament have endorsed the bid of 
Taiwan, Republic of China, to obtain observer status at the annual 
summit of the World Health Assembly held in May 2003 in Geneva, 
Switzerland; and
	WHEREAS, These endorsements reflect international 
recognition of the spectacular record of public health achieved by 
Taiwan; among this nation's accomplishments are attainment of one 
of the highest life-expectancy rates in Asia and maternal and 
infant mortality rates comparable to those of western countries;
the eradication of infectious diseases such as cholera, smallpox, 
polio, and the plague; and its pioneering efforts as the first 
nation in Asia to provide children with hepatitis B vaccinations; 
with such a sterling record of achievement, Taiwan has proven 
itself deserving of permission to attend this year's gathering of 
the World Health Assembly; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
recognize Taiwan, Republic of China, for its contributions to 
promoting world health and support Taiwan's bid to obtain observer 
status in the World Health Organization.