U.S. Military HIV Research Program: successfully integrating HIV vaccine research with prevention, care, and treatment.

Abstract

In 1986, Congress mandated the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) to protect service personnel and serve the global community by reducing the risk of HIV-1 infection. More than 20 years later, MHRP has become a leader in international HIV vaccine development efforts, with five research sites in Africa and Asia. The program's growth has been achieved through the combination of strong HIV vaccine science, the careful development of international research sites, and partnerships with key research institutions in the host countries and within the United States. In addition, the integration of prevention, care, and treatment services has helped MHRP build strong and trusting relationships with the communities in which research is conducted, while providing an ethical framework for the conduct of HIV clinical research.