In a significant development following investigations into the EcoHealth Alliance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated formal debarment proceedings against Dr. Peter Daszak, the President of EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. This action, announced last week, follows the complete suspension of funds to EcoHealth Alliance and aims to prevent Dr. Daszak from receiving any further financial support from U.S. taxpayers.
The decision to pursue debarment against Peter Daszak comes after a recommendation from Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup. During a recent hearing with National Institutes of Health (NIH) Deputy Director Lawrence Tabak, Chairman Wenstrup advocated for this additional measure. Debarment would personally prohibit Dr. Daszak from accessing U.S. government funding in the future.
Chairman Wenstrup stated, “EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak’s personal debarment will ensure he never again receives a single cent from U.S. taxpayers, preventing him from potentially establishing another untrustworthy organization. This action follows closely on the heels of the Select Subcommittee’s release of substantial evidence demonstrating Dr. Daszak’s disregard for the American public, his blatant neglect of the risks associated with gain-of-function research, and his deliberate violation of the terms of his NIH grant. HHS’s decision to initiate debarment proceedings against the head of the organization reinforces their recent suspension of funds to EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.”
Despite the impending debarment, Chairman Wenstrup emphasized that this action does not absolve Peter Daszak from further accountability. “It appears that Dr. Daszak may have provided false testimony under oath regarding his relationship with the Wuhan Institute of Virology and his adherence to NIH grant procedures. The Select Subcommittee remains committed to holding Dr. Daszak accountable for any dishonesty and reminds him that this debarment decision does not exempt him from the obligation to produce all outstanding documents and answer all questions from this Congressional body,” Chairman Wenstrup concluded.
The Select Subcommittee’s report, titled “An Evaluation of the Evidence Surrounding EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.’s Research Activities,” provides detailed information on the investigation. Further details can be found in the letter from HHS to Dr. Peter Daszak and the HHS Action Referral Memorandum.
Read the letter from HHS to Dr. Peter Daszak here.
Read HHS’s Action Referral Memorandum here.
