Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

One day left of #TropMed24, and WRAIR still has plenty of exciting work to share! Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to chat with our scientists, attended our talks, and explored our posters. Tomorrow, on day 4, we’ll have 14 more posters and three final talks – don’t miss it! American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) #DefenseHealth #GlobalHealth #DHAProud

Dr. Ozan Kiratli, AEOP Postdoctoral Fellow at WRAIR, shared groundbreaking insights at #TropMed24 on tackling the challenges in dengue vaccine development. When traditional methods fell short, WRAIR researchers used machine learning tools to predict antigenic distances directly from viral genomes. This approach enhances our understanding of dengue virus evolution and may improve outbreak prediction, marking a promising step forward in vaccine research especially with the recent increase of dengue infections. Don’t miss Day 3 of #TropMed24! Join us for Poster Session B tomorrow to explore 29 insightful posters being presented by Team WRAIR. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) #DefenseHealth #GlobalHealth #DYK #DHAProud

MHRP at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania and Duke University, has been working on a new vaccine concept that mimics infection with multiple founder variants (MFV) that may provoke the immune system to develop broadly neutralizing antibodies to prevent HIV infection. Learn more about MHRP’s MFV strategy here: https://lnkd.in/gA5PdsJP #hivresearch #hivvaccine #hiv #endHIV #hivcure #hivprevention #vaccine #vaccinedevelopment #vaccines #BRILLIANT

Happy Military Libraries Week! ?? At WRAIR, the Gorgas Memorial Library (GML) is essential in advancing research that safeguards our Service Members’ health and readiness worldwide. GML offers scientists and staff both in Silver Spring and across our forward labs seamless access to critical resources, no matter the format or location. This week, we recognize the incredible support military libraries provide to empower knowledge and innovation within the armed forces. https://lnkd.in/eWBJHNUN

WRAIR is thrilled to showcase our latest research at #TropMed24! Join us at booth #406 during exhibition hours to explore our work and don’t miss poster 7723 and 6416 at the Young Investigators Session C and D being presented tomorrow. See you there!! American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)

This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who’ve served in our military—and the families who’ve supported them. At WRAIR, we’re reminded every day that our strength comes from people: Service Members, civilians, and Veterans alike, each contributing to our mission. To all veterans, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your service inspires us all. Happy Veterans Day.

MHRP's African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) is an unparalleled longitudinal characterization of the HIV epidemic in the African context, tracking the impact of clinical practices, biological factors and socio-behavioral issues on HIV and disease progression.?The MHRP at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research?#AFRICOS team worked with the U.S. Department of State | Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (#PEPFAR) Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong and Chief Science Officer, Dr. Mike Reid, to develop and publish a manuscript summarizing key findings and highlighting the transformative impact of this cohort and how AFRICOS has contributed to the HIV 95-95-95 goals in sub-Saharan Africa.? ? The manuscript was recently published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. It covers a wide range of research questions the cohort has addressed over the last decade including?clinical profiles and treatment outcomes, socio-behavioral factors and adherence, non-communicable diseases, mental health and cognition, HIV and co-infections, HIV and COVID, immunology and HIV sequencing, and women's health. You can read the manuscript here: https://lnkd.in/gx5uPSjg HJF Medical Research International; HJFMRI Nigeria; HJFMRI Tanzania; HJFMRI Kenya; Makerere University Walter Reed Project

WRAIR held a Change of Command ceremony for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company. CPT Nickolas Cormier took command from CPT John Resch, marking a new chapter for the unit. Additionally, 1SG Aubrey Hamilton officially assumed the responsibility of First Sergeant. Congratulations to both leaders as they step into their new roles!

Dr. Nelson Michael, WRAIR's Center for Infectious Disease Research Director, recently spoke at the 10th anniversary for the renamed Institute for Genomic and Global Health at Redeemer's University in Ede, Nigeria, discussing WRAIR's role in addressing global health threats through military-focused research. He was accompanied by a WRAIR-AFRICA team led by Ms. Helina Meri and the WRAIR Virus Disease Program director, LTC Aaron Farmer. Dr. Michael highlighted WRAIR's critical work in developing and delivering treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases like HIV and mpox, especially in resource-challenged settings. Dr. Michael underscored the collaborative role WRAIR plays with African organizations, advancing research and building local capacity. This partnership-driven approach strengthens both military and civilian healthcare systems, fostering sustainable health solutions in the region.

Scout Day, hosted by the National Museum of Health and Medicine, featured stations focused on first-aid badge requirements such as triage, outdoor injuries, and emergency medical response! Our 68Ws (Combat Medics) had a great time sharing their life-saving knowledge, skills and training with these precocious leaders of tomorrow! #DefenseHealthGlobalHealth #MedicalReadiness #EmpoweringFutureLeaders #HonorThroughService #SupportingOurCommunity