The debate over the origin of COVID-19 has been reignited after Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, suggested that the virus may have been intentionally engineered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
In a recent 91-minute interview with YouTube podcaster Dana Parish on November 14, Redfield stated that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, was “intentionally engineered as part of a bio-defense program.”
When questioned about the potential U.S. involvement in the virus’s origin, Redfield commented, “I think it was substantial.” He elaborated, “One is they funded the research both from NIH (National Institutes of Health), the State Department, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and the Defense Department. All four of those agencies helped fund this research.”
Redfield also highlighted the role of Dr. Ralph Baric, a researcher at the University of North Carolina, stating, “The scientific mastermind behind this research is a guy named Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina, and he was very involved in this research. I think he probably helped create some of the original viral lines, but I can’t prove that.”
Despite his assertions, Redfield acknowledged that he lacks definitive evidence to substantiate these claims. His comments have nonetheless stirred renewed discussion and controversy over the origins of the pandemic that has affected global health, economies, and societies.
The implications of these statements are significant, raising questions about biosecurity, international research collaborations, and the responsibilities of governments and scientific institutions in preventing future pandemics. As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of COVID-19, understanding its origins remains a critical component in preparing for and preventing future global health crises.
Reference(s):
Virus behind COVID 'intentionally engineered,' says U.S. CDC ex-chief
cgtn.com
