Georgia's Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, has confirmed that the United States is suspending funding for several projects at the Lugar Laboratory and the Center for Disease Control (NCDC). "We are talking about a maximum of 2 million GEL," Sarjveladze.
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"We have heard many irresponsible statements and, in many cases, vicious interpretations suggesting that the suspension of activities at the Lugar Laboratory and the Center for Disease Control equates to a complete cut-off of funding. I want to declare with full responsibility and inform the public that there is no talk of closing the Lugar Laboratory or the Center for Disease Control or disrupting their activities. Both the Lugar Laboratory and the Center for Disease Control will continue to operate without interruption.
What we are actually talking about is the suspension of several ongoing projects, which include research activities, training, and other related work. These are not programs directly tied to any healthcare initiative and are therefore not critical to the system in that sense.
When discussing the Lugar Laboratory and the Center for Disease Control, we are not referring to figures like 95 million GEL or other astronomical amounts. The discussion is about a maximum of around 2 million GEL. Therefore, it is natural that everything will need to be evaluated, and this number may even change," said Sarjveladze during today's briefing.
Based on a statement of the Health Minister, his agency will evaluate the current projects in the coming days, and all important projects will continue as usual.
"I am truly sorry that such a decision was made regarding the financing of mutually interesting and important projects for both countries. This is not only a significant project for our two countries but also for public health. These initiatives are aimed at improving the sustainability of healthcare systems globally, and their implementation should be equally important and interesting to everyone. I sincerely hope that relations will return to their usual rhythm very quickly," said Mikheil Sarjveladze.
When asked whether he sees any connection between the adoption of the Russian Law and the termination of funding from the US, Sarjveladze stated that there is no such connection.
"I believe that just as that law did not raise any issues from the perspective of democracy and justice, there is no connection between this decision and that legislative act," said the Minister of Health.
Following the adoption of the Russian Law, the US began a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation with Georgia. On July 31, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US is suspending more than $95 million in aid that directly benefits the Georgian government. This decision was attributed to the government's "anti-democratic actions and false statements," which, according to Blinken, do not align with the norms of EU and NATO membership. The information about the Lugar Laboratory and the National Center for Disease Control not receiving part of the $95 million was initially reported by the TV station Formula.
