Background
In 1985, the U.S. military recognized the emerging HIV-1 epidemic as a new threat to U.S. and allied forces worldwide. A military directive emerged to develop effective preventive measures to include prevention education, vaccine development and implementation of novel anti-viral therapies and clinical management tools for the Department of Defense (DoD). The United States Congress mandated the DoD Military HIV Research Program in 1986.
The Army, as the lead agent for infectious disease research in the DoD, developed a highly-targeted program to address military-specific concerns regarding HIV. The MHRP has since become an important partner in international efforts to combat this devastating disease.
National Security
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. National Intelligence Council both have stated that the global HIV pandemic poses a direct threat to world security. Numerous other reports have recognized that most nations' military forces are at a significantly increased risk of HIV infection compared to their civilian counterparts. An estimated 10 to 60% of military personnel in a variety of countries are infected with HIV-1 (predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa) which makes a dramatic impact on military readiness, effectiveness and peacekeeping ability.
Current national military strategy requires detection, identification and vaccination for potential infectious disease threats in order to protect U.S. forces. An HIV vaccine could also be used to vaccinate Other Than U.S. Forces (OTUSF), DoD contractors deployed to support U.S. Forces and civilians. Furthermore, in regions of the world where HIV has caused significant morbidity and mortality among the local population, the HIV vaccine may promote social, economic and political stability, thereby deterring conflict and the need for U.S. intervention.