HHS looks to debar group at center of COVID lab-leak theories

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated the process of debarring the infectious disease nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance (EHA) from being awarded federal funds, citing a lack of “responsibility” necessary to participate in these programs.

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic shared the letter signed by HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions Katrina Brisbon to EHA President Peter Daszak.

“A thorough investigation determined that there is adequate evidence that EHA has not been compliant with federal regulations and grant terms and conditions, which affects EHA’s present responsibility,” and HHS spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill.

“As a grantee administrator, EHA’s role is to provide oversight of the activities of its subawardees, including reporting requirements back to the National Institutes of Health (and other federal government agencies), to ensure compliance with all grant terms and conditions and federal regulations. The record establishes EHA did not fulfill these responsibilities,” they added.