World health comes running

China, which several years ago accepted Taiwan into the World Trade Organization, doggedly refuses to let its former province into the World Health Organization. The distinction is unfathomable.

Health is no less important than business. Five years ago, when the deadly pneumonia SARS swept out of China, Taiwan asked the WHO for help. SARS was a new and frightening disease. The WHO sent some medical experts to help — and the government in Beijing made them wait for its permission.By blocking Taiwan's membership in the World Health Organization, China is trying to make a political point. We don't care about its political point — not if it comes at the expense of public health during an epidemic. China should make its points some other way.

All countries should be in the World Health Organization, and almost all of them are.

The North American Taiwanese Medical Association is sponsoring its annual run around Seattle's Green Lake on Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. The run starts at Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N.