Fact check: USAID funded research in the Wuhan lab believed to be the source of the COVID outbreak.

1. Summary of the results

The statement requires significant context and clarification. USAID did provide substantial funding to research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) through multiple channels:

• USAID spent $210 million on the PREDICT program between 2009-2019, which included funding WIV for collecting and storing virus samples ^[1]
• Together with NIAID, USAID provided over $40 million specifically for bat coronavirus research at WIV, with funding completing in 2019 ^[2]
• By 2019, the WIV had accumulated over 11,000 virus samples through the PREDICT program ^[1]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:

• While funding did occur, there is no scientific evidence linking US-funded research to the COVID-19 pandemic ^[3]
• The scientific consensus maintains that the virus evolved naturally, not in a laboratory ^[4]
• There have been identified issues with USAID's grant oversight processes ^[5]
• Some funding went through intermediary organizations like EcoHealth Alliance rather than directly to WIV ^{[4] [3]}

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains several problematic elements:

• It implies a direct connection between USAID funding and COVID-19's origin, which remains unproven
• The statement is being used in current political contexts:
• There are ongoing efforts to dismantle USAID ^[6]
• Claims about USAID's spending are frequently misrepresented for political purposes ^[7]
• Various groups benefit from different narratives:
• Political actors seeking to reduce foreign aid or criticize government agencies
• Those defending scientific research and international cooperation
• Media outlets seeking controversial headlines about pandemic origins

The statement requires careful consideration as it mixes verified facts about funding with unproven implications about COVID-19's origins.