An Analysis of Topics of APEC Health Projects and Participation of APEC Member Economiesin the Projects duringthe

Hui-Yi Chien1, Yu-Chen Hsu1, Ling-Yen Pan2, Chin-Shui Shih1

2012 Vol.28 NO.6

Correspondence Author： Hui-Yi Chien

Abstract：

Data on health-related projects approved and implemented by APEC during 2003-2009 were collected from APEC’s official website in order to analyze the development of health-related projects submitted to APEC, to calculate the percentage of budget subsidized by APEC for health-related projects, to understand the involvement of APEC member economies in health-related issues, and to explore the extent of APEC’s commitment to health-related issues through an analysis of the level of offices in charge of health issues within APEC during 2003-2009. A total of 26 projects were implemented during this period, among which projects addressing the issues of avian influenza and pandemic influenza accounted for the largest share (50%), followed by those about health information technology (23%). A participation rate analysis shows that Chinese Taipei, the USA, and Canada shared the first rank position (0.54), followed by China (0.38). The weighted participation index indicated that the USA had the highest accumulated score (21), followed by Canada (18), and Chinese Taipei (17). In addition, the percentage of budget subsidized by APEC for health-related projects increased from 17.77% in 2003 to 50% in 2009, which was a significant growth in subsidies. The impact of the SARS outbreak on the economy and trade has brought more attention to health-related issues in the international community. Chinese Taipei has been actively participating in various health-related projects, and it has transitioned from the role of a mere participant in the past to that of an active proposer in recent years. Therefore, we suggest that health authorities should put more effort into getting subsidies for projects from APEC, systematically proposing projects for cross-national cooperation, and sharing our advanced medical and health technology. All these are very important in advancing international health diplomacy and elevating the international visibility of this country.