The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken significant action against EcoHealth Alliance Inc. and its former president, Dr. Peter Daszak, barring them from receiving federal funds for a five-year period. This decision stems from allegations that EcoHealth failed to disclose potentially risky gain-of-function research to the government. A debarment notice issued to Dr. Daszak by HHS emphasizes that these measures are crucial to safeguard U.S. government interests.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) expressed strong support for the debarment, viewing it as a positive outcome for the American public. He criticized EcoHealth and Dr. Daszak for allegedly misusing taxpayer money to conduct dangerous gain-of-function research in China.
Security personnel outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology during a WHO visit in 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)
An interim report released in May by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, a part of the House Oversight Committee, detailed their investigation into government funding and oversight of gain-of-function research. The report cited "substantial evidence" suggesting that Dr. Daszak repeatedly breached the terms of an NIH grant awarded to EcoHealth. Based on these findings, the committee recommended debarring both EcoHealth and Dr. Daszak from receiving any future federal funding.
The committee also accused EcoHealth of significant delays in reporting, alleging that an annual research update, due in September 2019, wasn't submitted until August 2021.
Peter Daszak (R) and other members of the WHO team arriving at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2021. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
In a May 2024 memo, Subcommittee Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Oh) strongly condemned Dr. Daszak's actions, stating that he should be permanently ineligible for taxpayer funding. He accused Dr. Daszak and EcoHealth of conducting risky research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, violating grant terms, and jeopardizing U.S. national security.
The debarment period for EcoHealth Alliance concludes on May 14, 2029, while Dr. Daszak's debarment ends on May 20, 2029.
Dr. Peter Daszak testifying before a House Subcommittee in 2024. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
A Fox News Digital review of government spending data revealed that EcoHealth Alliance received almost $100 million in federal funding between fiscal years 2008 and 2024, primarily through contracts, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.
EcoHealth has not yet commented on the matter.
