WRAIR

• Origins in the Spanish-American War: The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) traces its roots to the U.S. Army’s response to infectious diseases during the Spanish-American War, particularly yellow fever. • Named After a Hero: WRAIR is named in honor of Major Walter Reed, the Army physician who led the team that proved yellow fever was transmitted by mosquitoes. • Malaria Breakthroughs: During World War II, WRAIR played a crucial role in discovering and developing antimalarial drugs, saving countless Allied troops in the Pacific. • HIV/AIDS Research Leadership: WRAIR has been a global leader in HIV vaccine trials, establishing international research programs in Africa and Asia. • First U.S. Ebola Vaccine Trials: WRAIR scientists led the first U.S. clinical trials for Ebola vaccines, contributing critical data during the West African Ebola epidemic. • Global Network: WRAIR operates a network of overseas research laboratories in Thailand, Kenya, Georgia, and beyond, focusing on regional infectious diseases. • Psychological Health Research: The institute is a leader in psychological and behavioral health research, studying PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and resilience among service members. • Military Vaccines: WRAIR developed and licensed vaccines for meningococcal meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, and hepatitis A, protecting both military and civilian populations. • Anthrax Defense: Following the 2001 anthrax attacks, WRAIR contributed to the development and testing of improved anthrax vaccines for U.S. forces. • COVID-19 Response: WRAIR quickly pivoted to COVID-19 research in 2020, developing and launching clinical trials for novel coronavirus vaccines and therapeutics.