WHO 結果共2,571筆

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns of a potential flu epidemic around the Lunar New Year due to an increase in Type B influenza infections. Over 6 million government-funded flu vaccines have been administered, with a vaccination rate exceeding 50% among senior citizens. Several counties have reached the target vaccination rate of 55% for seniors. Influenza outpatient and emergency department visits have shown a recent downward trend, but adenoviruses remain the leading respiratory pathogens. H3N2 is more prevalent than H1N1, with a rising proportion of Type B influenza cases. There have been 14 new severe influenza complications and three additional deaths, mainly affecting individuals with chronic illnesses who were unvaccinated. As of December 11, 6.098 million public-funded flu vaccine doses have been administered, achieving a vaccination rate of 50.4%. Officials urge eligible citizens to promptly get vaccinated, as approximately 500,000 doses of government-funded flu vaccine remain.

Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je opposes the removal of Chinese culture from Taiwanese society, expressing concern that future generations may not be able to differentiate between historical figures like Zhang Fei and Yue Fei. During a press conference on transportation policy, Ko emphasized the inappropriateness of completely separating contemporary society from Chinese culture. He specifically mentioned revered figures in religious beliefs, such as Mazu, Guan Gong, Baosheng Emperor, and The Third Prince, who primarily originate from China. Ko also responded to a statement by DPP former legislative speaker You Si-kun, defending the concept of a ＂sense of honor＂ with a history spanning over two millennia.

Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s new representative to the United States, arrived in Washington D.C. on Monday (Dec. 11), to assume his post. Ingrid Larson, the managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), welcomed him at the airport. Yui’s arrival follows the resignation of former representative Hsiao Bi-khim on Nov. 20. Yui, who had recently become the top envoy to the EU and Belgium, was chosen to replace Hsiao. Yui emphasized security, economic and trade cooperation, and Taiwan’s international space as the key aspects of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He highlighted the need to safeguard Taiwan’s upcoming election from external influences. Yui committed to deepening Taiwan-U.S. relations by building on Hsiao’s work and collaborating with his embassy team. Laura Rosenberger, chair of AIT, expressed confidence in Yui’s experience and anticipated further development and strengthening of the bilateral partnership.

Starting September 2024, Taipei’s male junior high school students will receive the 9-valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for free, as announced by the Taipei City Department of Health. The aim of this initiative is to enhance herd immunity, reduce HPV infections, and lower the incidence of related cancers by vaccinating both male and female students. With a vaccination rate of 91% among junior high school girls in 2021, the Health Commissioner decided to extend the program to boys. Consent from students and parents will be required, and a health assessment will be conducted by a physician. Vaccination sites will be set up in 93 schools, and there are also 115 contracted medical institutions available for students who cannot receive the vaccine at school. The vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing infections and reducing the risk of related cancers is supported by medical studies. The World Health Organization recommends that 90% of girls under 15 receive the HPV vaccine, with boys included as a secondary priority group. The Health Promotion Administration has been providing the vaccine to female junior high students at public expense since 2018, establishing a strong foundation for safeguarding boys against HPV as well.

The New Power Party (NPP) has called for stricter regulations on minimum labor wages, proposing that manufacturers who violate laws should be banned from government procurement. The NPP emphasizes equal representation in decision-making, with a ＂1:1:1＂ ratio of labor, capital, and government-academic parties. They argue that adjustments to the minimum wage should not fall below the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth rate, linking wage increases to inflation and cost of living adjustments. NPP Chairwoman Claire Wang advocates for strict penalties, including adding violators to a government procurement blacklist. The NPP’s draft is inspired by France’s minimum wage laws, aiming to protect workers’ living standards in the face of rising costs.

Chinese children are increasingly experiencing antibiotic resistance when treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which poses a global health and economic concern. By 2050, drug-resistant diseases could result in healthcare costs of NT＄31 trillion and economic losses of up to NT＄106 trillion, according to the World Bank. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of superbugs, diminishing the effectiveness of these medicines and compromising treatment outcomes. Azithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic in China for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, now faces an alarming resistance rate of nearly 80% to Macrolides. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the dangers of antibiotic overuse and refers to the situation as a ＂silent pandemic.＂ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expresses concern that antibiotic resistance could bring us back to an era where minor infections are untreatable.

The Superstar Christmas Concert in New Taipei concluded with captivating performances by Taiwanese singer Sam Lee and actor-singer Nick Chou (NICKTHEREAL). The event featured an impressive lineup of renowned singers and bands, delighting fans who filled the venue. Chou’s rendition of his hit song ＂Handsome to Break Up＂ ignited the crowd, while Sam Lee, known as the ＂Taiwanese Prince of Love Songs,＂ mesmerized the audience with his performances of ＂The Night Sky Under Your Eye＂ and ＂Absolute Infatuation.＂ The atmosphere was enhanced by the audience, who created a starry night effect using their cellphone flashlights. Another standout moment was singer and rapper OSN’s rendition of his classic song ＂Without You,＂ which prompted a massive sing-along among fans. The two-day concert at New Taipei Fun Christmas City set a festive tone for the upcoming Christmas season, with fans eagerly cheering for their favorite artists.

The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) campaign headquarters head, Huang Shan-shan, revealed internal polling data on the TPP’s Ko-Ying ticket, claiming they rank second in the presidential race. The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai-Hsiao ticket leads with a 29.9% support rate, followed closely by the Ko-Ying ticket at 27.6%, with the Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou-Kang ticket trailing at 24.3%. However, this tactic was criticized by Shih Hsin University communications professor Yu Tzu-hsiang, who accused Huang of engaging in propaganda. Professor Yu suggested that the KMT’s unified force has gained momentum, contrasting with TPP candidate Ko Wen-je’s declining support after the failed KMT-TPP coalition. Yu argued that Ko should focus on vigorous campaign activities to garner public and media attention rather than relying on internal polls.

A 70-year-old man named Liu reported his backpack lost after a trip to Nantou, Taiwan. The backpack contained nearly NT$1 million in various currencies, as Liu was preparing for a business trip to Japan. Fortunately, a convenience store clerk found the backpack and, after no claimant came forward, discovered the significant amount of money inside, including Japanese Yen, U.S. dollars, and Chinese Yuan. The First Precinct Taichung City Police Department, who was already assisting Liu in locating his lost item, was alerted about the discovery. Deputy Head Hsiung Tien-hsin confirmed that the recovered property belonged to Liu and contained all the foreign currencies he needed for his upcoming business trip to Japan.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

世界衛生組織（WHO）秘書長譚德塞今天表示，即使執行委員會通過緊急世衛動議，取得更多醫療人員與資源管道，仍幾乎難以改善加薩「災難性」的衛生狀況。

Taipei Metro agrees to refund a fine imposed on a teenage girl who mistakenly used her brother’s EasyCard. The 14-year-old student used a child’s EasyCard instead of a student card, resulting in a fine of NT＄1,000. The girl’s father argued that the punishment was excessive, and after reviewing the situation, Taipei Metro decided to refund the penalty as a gesture of goodwill. The incident occurred at Ximen MRT Station, and Taipei Metro emphasized the importance of using the correct card type to avoid fare differences.

The recent ETtoday poll reveals that the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim are leading the race in Taiwan’s upcoming election, with 39% support. This puts them slightly ahead of the Kuomintang (KMT) candidates Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, who are trailing by 5.2 percentage points. The survey also shows a decrease in support for the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu, the Ko-Wu ticket, from 19.6% to 18.1%. Despite these shifts, the DPP’s Lai and Hsiao maintain a tangible lead over their KMT and TPP competitors. As the election approaches, all parties are actively campaigning to secure their political future in Taiwan. The poll was conducted on Dec. 6-7 and targeted residents of Taiwan who are at least 20 years old. The survey had a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.77%, with 1,251 valid respondents.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has unveiled a new housing policy aimed at helping young people in Taiwan purchase their first homes. The initiative is targeted at individuals under 40 years old who have never owned property and face income restrictions. Under the plan, qualified buyers can receive a loan of up to NT＄15 million with no down payment required. They will also enjoy a 0.5% subsidy on their mortgage interest rates, with public banks cutting the rates in half after five years. The policy will last for five years and includes restrictions on reselling the purchased properties for a maximum of ten years to address housing market speculation concerns. Hou criticized the current New Residential Loans Policy for its lack of age and income restrictions, allowing affluent individuals to benefit and non-first-time buyers to take advantage of policy perks. The plan aims to ensure fairness and accessibility for those in genuine need of support in purchasing their first homes.

Six men have been indicted by the Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office for alleged sexual exploitation offenses under the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. Led by Chen Tso-wei, the group imitated the infamous ＂South Korea’s Nth Room case＂ and used deceptive tactics to lure their victims, promising easy money for photos or offering iPhones. They profited over NT＄8 million from their illicit activities. Authorities discovered that the syndicate blackmailed the young girls involved with explicit videos and threatened to leak their nude photos if they didn’t comply. A total of 86 girls were found to have fallen prey to this exploitation, with the youngest victim being just nine years old. Some of the victims resorted to self-harm as a result of the abuse. The Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a substantial sentence of 30 years imprisonment for three of the accused, including Chen, who played a particularly malicious role with a severe impact on human dignity. The remaining three face sentencing recommendations of five to ten years.

Entertainer Apple Huang, known for her appearance on ＂Blackie’s Teenage Club,＂ recently revealed that she officially married dentist Carter Jaw a year ago. Her sister, Yuri Huang (also known as ＂Yao Yao＂), expressed her excitement and congratulations on social media. Apple, who is 39 years old, also announced that she is expecting her first child through a series of maternity photos. The news has brought joy to Yao Yao and has been met with warm wishes from friends and fans in the entertainment industry. The public has also shared in the excitement surrounding Apple’s marriage and pregnancy.

Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan gracefully corrects an event attendee who mistakenly referred to her as ’Auntie Yuanyuan,’ prompting them to revise it to ’Sister Yuanyuan.’ The video of this playful exchange has gone viral, garnering attention and praise for Gao’s gracious response. Gao’s relationship to Taiwanese actor Mark Chao, made public in 2012, has been a steady fixture in the entertainment industry. Despite their high-profile status, the couple maintains a sweet and under-the-radar relationship. Online fans have also commented on Gao’s continued youthful and elegant charm in her life post-marriage.

South Korean rap star Jessi and Jay Park address rumors of a fallout, affirming their strong relationship and urging fans not to worry. Speculation arose that Jessi had terminated her contract with Park’s company, MORE VISION, but the artists clarified that there is no discord between them. Jessi, who previously left P Nation in 2022, joined MORE VISION in April 2023. During a performance in Taiwan, she engaged with her Taiwanese fans, showcasing her connection with the audience. Taking to social media, Jessi expressed gratitude for her fans’ support and emphasized that the gossip has not affected her spirit. This public statement demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a professional relationship and clarifying the situation for their supporters.

Get ready for an exciting New Year’s Eve bash in Kaohsiung! Pop diva Jeannie Hsieh will be the closing act, making a comeback after a three-year hiatus. The event, held at Dream Mall, promises a departure from Hsieh’s traditional holiday repertoire. The celebration will be hosted by comedy duo Plungon and celebrity Chung Hsin-yu, with Thai singer and social media sensation Jeff Satur adding an international flavor to the lineup. Satur, who boasts 3.8 million Instagram followers, will be performing for the first time abroad. The event will also feature popular artists like Nine One One, WeiBird, GBOYSWAG, and more. Don’t miss the spectacular 240-second firework display over Asia New Bay Area, symbolizing the transition to 2024.

The Hsinchu City Fire Bureau unveils its 2024 Firefighting Calendar featuring 22 local firefighters and volunteer firefighters as representatives. The calendar showcases the courage and dedication of these heroes, who were photographed at scenic spots in Hsinchu City. Commissioner Lee Shi-kung emphasizes the impressive physiques and professional rescue capabilities of the chosen representatives, aiming to portray the professional image of the fire service personnel. Hsinchu City residents have the chance to participate in a disaster prevention quiz, with 2,500 lucky winners receiving a copy of the calendar, promoting public safety and awareness.

Discover the story of 18-year-old rookie singer Bettii, who captivated audiences with her heartfelt rendition of ＂Seven＂ at a press conference. Inspired by her idol Jungkook from BTS, Bettii aims to evoke the same emotions in her music. After covering Jungkook’s song, she gained recognition from the K-pop star himself. Putting her education in Canada on hold, Bettii’s parents are supportive of her decision to pursue a singing career in Taiwan. The press conference showcased her multi-instrumental talents as she played the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and piano. While her company doesn’t impose a dating ban, finding time to socialize remains a challenge. Standing at 168 centimeters tall, Bettii hopes to find a taller and conceptually compatible partner. She also admires the members of the K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT).

The ＂Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year＂ poll announced that the character ＂缺＂ (lack) received the most votes, representing the multifaceted social issues faced by Taiwan. The character symbolizes challenges such as shortages of water, electricity, masks, vaccines, rapid test kits, labor, and notably, eggs. ＂蛋＂ (egg) secured the second position, forming the term ＂缺蛋＂ (lack eggs), highlighting the egg scarcity in Taiwan. ＂詐＂ (fraud) came in third place, reflecting the persistent fraud cases in Taiwanese society. The nominations for these characters were made by Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang, former Control Yuan President Wang Chien-shien, and Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin, who emphasized growing insecurity, political quality, and fraud issues, respectively. The ＂Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year＂ election, organized by the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture and the United Daily News, received a total of 65,043 votes from the public over a 25-day period. This annual character selection has been conducted for 16 consecutive years, reflecting the pulse of Taiwanese society and its people’s thoughts.

Taiwan’s People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has revealed that despite restraints from the Kuomintang (KMT), some of the party’s legislative candidates have sought his endorsement in videos that are expected to be released in the final three days before the election. In an exclusive interview with TVBS, Ko disclosed that KMT candidates have been defying the ＂Ko prohibition order＂ and seeking his support through video recordings. While Ko claimed to have assisted these candidates, he did not specify who they were. He suggested that these candidates are unlikely to reveal his endorsement until the last three days of the election campaign.

Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, winner of the best leading actor award at the 60th Golden Horse Awards, surprised attendees at the trial of a man surnamed Chung, who is accused of killing his father with a dumbbell. Despite wearing a mask, Wu’s presence caused a stir as he was recognized by the crowd. Wu declined to comment on his reasons for attending. The case involves a dispute over the purchase of a boxed meal that allegedly led to the fatal blow. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office filed charges in May, making this the second case to involve citizen judges. Due to Chung’s mental illness and lack of impulse control, the court ordered a temporary placement for six months. The court selected citizen judges prior to the trial, with six judges and four alternates chosen through a rigorous process.

The Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch Court (KSH) has upheld a 16-year sentence for a man named Chen who was convicted of murder and attempted murder. Chen attacked a homeless man, Lee, with a brick after being refused help and insulted, resulting in Lee’s death. The next day, Chen severely injured an air conditioning repairman named Chang. Chen’s previous convictions for assault and violence, as well as a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (APD), were taken into consideration during the trial. The Pintung District Court initially sentenced him to 13 years for murder and 7 years for attempted murder. The Kaohsiung Branch Court has affirmed the original verdict, denying Chen’s appeal and confirming that he will serve the full 16-year term.