In a major step toward elevating Taiwan’s global visibility in healthcare and realizing the vision of a “Healthy Taiwan,” the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine has successfully secured the bid to host the 2026 World Congress of Internal Medicine. The Society announced that the event will bring together over 8,000 internists, scholars, and researchers from around the world to Taiwan. The congress will focus on the importance of preventive medicine in internal medicine, particularly the critical role of adult vaccination in enhancing public health. Through cross-sector collaboration and policy advocacy, the event aims to demonstrate Taiwan’s strong commitment to improving healthcare quality and extending healthy life expectancy.

Actively supporting the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” initiative, the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine underscores the principle that prevention is better than treatment. Ming-Shiang Wu, President of the Society and Superintendent of National Taiwan University Hospital, emphasized that this achievement marks not only a significant milestone for Taiwan’s medical community, but also a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s medical capabilities on the global stage. Taiwan’s successful bid to host the congress is a testament to international recognition of the country’s healthcare prowess and reflects the success of academic diplomacy efforts led jointly by the Society and NTU Hospital.

The Society has long been dedicated to cultivating talent, offering physicians opportunities to participate in academic and clinical research, and encouraging innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Wang-Huei Sheng, Secretary General of the Society and Deputy Superintendent of NTU Hsinchu Branch, noted that the Society’s annual meetings provide a platform for physicians to voice their expertise, continue professional growth, and elevate the standard of medical research.

As Taiwan enters a super-aged society, Sheng stressed that adult vaccination is a vital component of health maintenance for the elderly. With age, the immune system weakens, increasing susceptibility to infections such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles. For older adults, these infections often lead to more severe outcomes, including higher hospitalization and mortality rates.

Sheng added that a systematic adult vaccination policy can effectively prevent diseases, reduce strain on healthcare resources, enhance quality of life, and decrease elderly dependence on caregivers. By stepping up its efforts in public education and promotion of adult vaccination, the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine hopes to work hand in hand with the government and society to build a more resilient, healthy super-aged society.

Resource: 2026世界內科研討會將來台 吳明賢盼展現台灣醫療實力