MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN
AND THE TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN THE UNITED STATES
ON HEALTH COOPERATION
A. Objective
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), collectively referred to as the “Participants”, intend to strengthen their cooperation and collaboration on health. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to serve as the designated representative for AIT and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) is expected to serve as the designated representative for TECRO.
B. Areas of Cooperation
The areas of cooperation under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are expected to be decided jointly by the Participants, through their designated representatives and in consultation with the Participants. Initial areas of mutual interest may include the below.
- Global health security;
- Infectious disease research, surveillance and control;
- Chronic disease research, surveillance, prevention and health promotion;
- Digital health and information resource management;
- Behavioral risk factor surveillance and intervention, including misuse of opioids and tobacco use;
- Occupational health;
- Environmental health;
- Public health laboratory improvement;
- Maternal, infant and adolescent health;
- Health system strengthening (especially for indigenous people, underserved and remote populations);
- Human resources for health (workforce development and retention); and
- Health communication to address health literacy and health promotion
Other areas of potential cooperation may be determined by the Participants, through their designated representatives, as appropriate.
The methods of cooperation may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cooperative programs, operations research, and implementation of science and research projects;
- Establishment of contact points to facilitate exchange of best practices, expertise, and information;
- Personnel exchange, training, and bilateral visits; and
- Consultations, meetings, workshops, and
Activities carried out under this MOU are expected to be implemented through mutually decided specific written arrangements by the Participants.
C. General
This MOU does not create legally binding obligations. All activities under this MOU are subject to the availability of funds and other resources, as well as any other applicable laws and regulations that may govern the Participants and their designated representatives.
D. Commencement, Modification, Discontinuation
Activities under this MOU may commence upon signature by both Participants. The MOU is expected to remain in effect for a period of five (5) years. The MOU may be extended for additional five-year periods by the mutual written decision of the Participants. This MOU may be modified by mutual written decision of the Participants. It may be discontinued, in whole or in part, by a Participant at any time, but the discontinuing Participant is expected to provide written notification to the other Participant of its intent to discontinue participation in the MOU at least three (3) months in advance of the discontinuation. Discontinuation of this MOU is not intended to affect the validity or the duration of projects initiated under this MOU before discontinuation.
