The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially halted federal funding for EcoHealth Alliance and recommended its removal from government programs due to lack of transparency and mishandling of coronavirus research in Wuhan, China. Five years ago, EcoHealth Alliance used U.S. taxpayer money to fund research into viruses related to the Covid-19 outbreak in China, according to federal reports.
In a letter released by HHS on Wednesday, EcoHealth President Peter Daszak was informed of the suspension of funds and potential debarment from government programs. The suspension and debarment recommendation went into effect on Tuesday.
HHS cited evidence of EcoHealth’s non-compliance with federal regulations and grant terms, questioning the organization’s responsibility. The agency highlighted failures in monitoring virus growth in research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and delays in submitting reports.
House Republicans also issued a report this month detailing EcoHealth’s late submission of progress reports to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). EcoHealth missed the deadline by nearly two years, claiming technical issues prevented the timely submission.
EcoHealth President, Peter Daszak, faces potential debarment of up to three years, with the length to be determined based on the seriousness of the violations. The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman expressed support for the funding suspension and debarment, emphasizing the importance of American national security and global safety.
