HHS cuts funding to Wuhan Institute of Virology.
The Wuhan Institute of Virology Barred from Federal Funding for 10 Years
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken a significant step by issuing a notice that prohibits the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) from receiving federal funding for the next decade. This decision comes as a result of the institute conducting experiments that pose a high risk to public health.
“[T]he [National Institutes of Health] determined that the WIV may have conducted an experiment yielding a level of viral activity which was greater than permitted under the terms of the grant … which possibly did lead or could lead to health issues or other unacceptable outcomes,”
Researchers at the WIV had been receiving funding from the U.S. government between 2014 and 2020 through a grant project in collaboration with the EcoHealth Alliance, a renowned organization specializing in coronavirus and gain-of-function research.
Earlier this summer, a declassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence revealed that the illness of three WIV lab workers in late 2019 was likely unrelated to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some of their symptoms were consistent with COVID-19, they were not definitively diagnosed with the virus.
In light of this incident, the National Institutes of Health requested documentation regarding potential risks associated with “viral activity in violation of the grant.” However, their inquiries in November 2021 and January 2022 went unanswered.
The debarment officially began on July 17, when HHS officials initially attempted to notify the WIV of the suspension. Unfortunately, the email notifications sent to the addresses listed on the WIV’s English webpage were returned as undeliverable. This lack of communication capability was considered an “aggravating factor” by HHS, leading to the decision to extend the debarment to 10 years instead of the standard three.
“The Wuhan Institute of Virology should not receive another cent of U.S. taxpayer funding,”
House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) strongly supports the decision to cut off funding to the WIV. He believes that after years of conducting risky gain-of-function research with inadequate biosafety measures, it is crucial to take this necessary step. Wenstrup also emphasizes the mounting evidence and intelligence suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a laboratory failure in Wuhan.
It is worth noting that the letter debarring the WIV’s funding until July 2033 does not explicitly mention SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The HHS has not provided any comment regarding its decision in relation to the pandemic or the ongoing congressional investigation into the WIV and EcoHealth Alliance.
House Republicans have been pressuring HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to address congressional inquiries into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, members of the House Oversight and Energy and Commerce Committees sent a formal letter threatening to issue subpoenas if the agency fails to provide the requested information regarding communications between the NIH, EcoHealth Alliance, and the WIV.
Congress has also requested transcribed interviews with various officials at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as well as former NIH director Francis Collins and NIH Acting Director Lawrence Tabak. Collins and Tabak are scheduled to testify in December.
“Covering up for the failures of a Chinese lab, hiding critical evidence from the American people, and facilitating the public promotion of a false, alternative narrative is extremely concerning and deserves thorough investigation,”
Chairman Wenstrup assures that the Select Subcommittee will continue to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential cover-up by America’s public health leaders.
How has the lack of cooperation and communication from the WIV reinforced concerns about potential health risks and unacceptable outcomes?
Nds for at least a decade,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Their failure to respond to our inquiries and their inability to maintain basic communication channels demonstrate a lack of accountability and professionalism that cannot be overlooked.”
The decision to bar the WIV from federal funding was not taken lightly and was based on the principle of ensuring public health and safety. The experiments conducted by the institute, which went beyond the permitted level of viral activity, raised concerns about potential health risks and unacceptable outcomes. The lack of cooperation from the WIV in providing documentation further reinforced these concerns and added to the severity of the decision.
It is important to note that the WIV had been receiving funding from the U.S. government for several years through a grant project in collaboration with the EcoHealth Alliance. This partnership aimed to carry out research on coronaviruses and gain-of-function studies. However, given the recent global pandemic and the potential role of the WIV in its origins, it is crucial to reassess and evaluate the risks associated with such research.
The declassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence provided some clarity regarding the illness of three lab workers at the WIV in late 2019. While their symptoms were similar to those of COVID-19, they were not conclusively diagnosed with the virus. This finding supports the notion that the pandemic did not originate from the WIV. However, it is imperative to maintain a vigilant approach to prevent any future incidents that could jeopardize public health.
By barring the Wuhan Institute of Virology from federal funding for a decade, the Department of Health and Human Services is sending a clear message about the importance of accountability and responsible scientific conduct. The lack of communication capabilities exhibited by the WIV, as evidenced by the undeliverable email notifications, further highlights their disregard for basic protocols and professionalism.
In the interest of global health security, it is crucial that all scientific institutions uphold the highest standards of research and maintain transparent communication channels. The decision to debar the WIV serves as a reminder that public health should always be the top priority and that any research that poses a risk must be evaluated and regulated accordingly.
Looking ahead, it is essential for the international community to work together in building a robust framework for overseeing and regulating experiments with potential public health implications. This includes strict oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent any lapses in safety and to maintain public trust.
It is also important to emphasize that this decision should not be seen as a reflection of the entire scientific community in Wuhan or China. Science knows no borders, and collaboration and cooperation between researchers from different countries are essential to advancing knowledge and solving global challenges.
As we navigate the uncertain path of emerging infectious diseases and pandemics, it is crucial to foster a culture of responsibility, transparency, and accountability in the field of virology research. The bar on federal funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology serves as a necessary step towards achieving these goals and protecting public health.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...