The world has lost a public health champion, pioneer researcher in the fields of HIV/AIDS and women’s reproductive health, and compassionate mentor and friend. Willard (Ward) Cates Jr., MD, MPH, died on March 17, 2016, at the age of 73.
Ward Cates was the President of FHI360 during the formation of the UNC CFAR and played an instrumental role in the creation and success of our research center. Even after he “retired” and became President Emeritus of FHI360, he remained our dear friend and collaborator. His loss has resonated throughout the international HIV research community, and is felt deeply by all of us at the CFAR.
