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USAID's Secret Viral Samples Raise Global Health Concerns

7/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

USAID secretly sent 11,000 viral samples to the Wuhan Institute of Virology over a decade, all without a formal agreement. The $210 million PREDICT program's failure to secure these samples has sparked fears of misuse. Now, amid accusations of waste and ineffectiveness, the agency has been shut down, raising serious questions about global health oversight.

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Story summary

USAID secretly sent 11,000 viral samples to the Wuhan Institute of Virology over a decade, all without a formal agreement. The $210 million PREDICT program's failure to secure these samples has sparked fears of misuse. Now, amid accusations of waste and ineffectiveness, the agency has been shut down, raising serious questions about global health oversight.