Military training shot with mask from DoD

Defense Health. Global Health.

HIV/AIDS remains one of the most significant global public health challenges and continues to threaten force readiness and military effectiveness. MHRP, part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, helps protect the U.S. Military from HIV and improve global health by conducting research to develop an HIV vaccine, reduce new infections and advance strategies to induce long-term HIV remission.

Beyond the staggering health and economic impacts, HIV/AIDS is a pernicious infectious disease that decreases quality of life, destabilizes communities and disrupts health systems. Addressing the threat of HIV to military and global populations is of critical concern to health diplomacy and international security, and a challenge that requires sustained commitment to research and developing effective scientific, clinical, political and social solutions.


MHRP — a leader in the fight against HIV since 1986

MHRP has been recognized as a leader in HIV diagnostics, epidemiology and vaccine research for over three decades and, more recently, has built an international reputation for pioneering discoveries in acute infection and remission. Leveraging WRAIR's product development focus and capabilities, MHRP plays a critical role in developing an HIV vaccine and other promising HIV-related products. 

Enabled by an experienced team with expertise across the research continuum, high-quality international clinical sites and the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse partners, MHRP’s achievements continue to uphold an enduring commitment to tackling the threat that HIV poses to Service Members, national security and global health.

Protecting Force Health and Readiness

In addition to its vaccine development efforts, MHRP helps develop, implement and monitor initiatives to reduce the threat of HIV and HIV-related sexually transmitted and blood-borne pathogens to force health and the blood supply. Our team generate knowledge products to inform the development, delivery and assessment of evidence-based HIV preventive interventions.

For example, our team studied the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and identified some challenges to getting PrEP to the people who would benefit from it the most. The military is now working to educate providers and establish pathways to facilitate universal access to PrEP by Service Members.

MHRP is committed to developing and advancing effective solutions—such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, therapeutics and diagnostics—to counter HIV and other related infections. Ultimately, our focus is on the development of products to improve the performance and readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces.