FHI 360 is deeply saddened to announce the death of our dear friend and colleague Willard (Ward) Cates Jr., MD, MPH, President Emeritus and Distinguished Scientist of FHI 360.  “The world has lost a true leader and visionary,” said Patrick Fine, Chief Executive Officer of FHI 360. Dr. Cates had a distinguished career, spanning more than 40 years in the fields of women’s health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, contraceptive technology and reproductive health services. “The health advances for which Ward Cates has been responsible will continue to have a global impact for years to come. He was a man who exemplified the idea that one person can make a world of difference. Read more from FHI 360.

As most of you know he has so many accomplishments, including as principal investigator on many microbicide trials including the CAPRISA 004. From 1997-2002, Ward was a scientific investigator for the HIV Prevention Trials Network and was a principal investigator for the Microbicide Trials Network.

He has a long history fighting the HIV epidemic. His second position at the CDC was as Director of the Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, a position Ward took at the dawn of the HIV epidemic in the United States. Working on the Kaposi Sarcoma/Opportunistic Infections Task Force proved challenging yet rewarding for Ward who became an HIV/AIDS expert. This experience helped to shift his career path as he became interested in the international epidemic.

Memories and photos of Ward, and condolences to his extended global health family are being collected on #tagboard. Use #RememberingWard in a Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or any other major social network post.