• About
  • Scientific Publications
  • Program Leadership
  • Director's Message
  • Background
• Global Efforts
• Vaccine Research and Development
• Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Clinical Trials
• Partners

Background

In 1986, Congress initiated the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) — centered at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), a command within the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command — as a result of the military directive to develop effective preventive measures against HIV disease to protect U.S. troops from infection and reduce the global impact of the disease.

MHRP is a highly targeted program addressing military-specific concerns including developing a globally effective HIV vaccine, ensuring accurate HIV testing for the Army, tracking the HIV epidemic in active-duty forces, and assessing risk of HIV exposure to U.S. and allied forces deployed overseas. This global focus, along with a strong science program, has enabled MHRP to become a leader in international HIV vaccine efforts, with five research sites in Africa and Asia.

National Security

Historically, infectious diseases have had a major impact on U.S. Armed Forces. With 33.2 million infections worldwide, HIV poses a significant and persistent threat in terms of readiness and force protection, and may affect the stability and security of many nation-states. Additionally, HIV was identified as a National Security priority in the President's National Security Strategy (2002 and 2006).