Centre for HIV/AIDs & STD Research

CHISTRE is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2000 to address the socio-economic and health concerns of the people in rural areas and other poor communities in Nigeria. CHISTRE started out as a library and resource center devoted to HIV/AIDS and sexual health (see what the United Nations Development Program has written about our resource centre, but since its humble beginnings, CHISTRE has grown into an accomplished organization dedicated to a progressive society through social and educational programs.

CHISTRE’s main goal is to deal with the HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB and Hepatitis crisis that is ravaging communities and cities throughout Nigeria and destroying lives. CHISTRE is trying to provide an integrated, holistic response to the crisis, ensuring increased effectiveness in combating the disease, while moving towards a more advanced society. CHISTRE is disseminating accurate information throughout the area, educating the public (with an emphasis on the younger generation) on all issues associated with HIV/AIDS, STD, Malaria, TB and Hepatitis, and providing assistance to those already affected by the disease.

We are also extremely focused on training peer educators, teachers, and health care professionals with the hopes of creating self-sustaining and self-sufficient environments, where people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to take control of the problem themselves and create a better future for all. This will not only give people the opportunity to control their own destiny, but will also ensure that CHISTRE can expand their field of operations into surrounding communities and areas, reaching more and more people and extending the reach of accurate knowledge and information.

In order to achieve maximum efficacy and efficiency of programs, CHISTRE works closely with other organizations in the area and is always open to collaboration in order to achieve the greatest results. CHISTRE works hand-in-hand with the Mgbala Agwa Youth Forum (MAYF), and you can read more about their work here. CHISTRE also works with many international volunteers; including doctors, public health experts, and noted scholars in different fields. With collaboration, comprehensive educational and social programs, dedicated professionals, and a highly organized and motivated organization, CHISTRE hopes to make a significant contribution to society by establishing a well-educated and informed public; thus, reducing the prevalence and impact of these diseases.

Where We Work

CHISTRE’s primary area of work is in the rural communities in Nigeria while progressively expanding into the surrounding communities especially in the Northern Part of Nigeria.

Board of Trustees

  1. NDUKA OZOR is the Project Director, as well as a trustee of the Centre for HIV/AIDS & STD Research (CHISTRE). He holds a B.A. and Master in Social Work from the Lagos State University and he has spent the last 20 years working on HIV related matters, specializing in HIV/AIDS and behavioral change communication. His wealth of experience and commitment to the cause is palpable through the development of several strategic HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. As an HIV/AIDS educator, Mr. Ozor was the co-coordinator of a youth forum that focused on educating children and young adults in the rural populace on the basics of HIV/AIDS & STDs, which eventually became the precursor to CHISTRE. He later organized a ‘Catch Them Young’ program within CHISTRE, which targets the younger generation with the objective of educating and empowering the youth to create a Generation Without AIDS. Mr. Ozor constantly manages a group of United Nations on-line volunteers who work to further develop and expand the organization through donations and grants. As a native growing up in Agwa, he has seen the devastation that HIV/AIDS has caused in his community and has a special understanding of why and what is needed to help. He is also in a unique position to effectively implement new programs while dealing with extremely sensitive cultural traditions and customs in the area, which is a significant reason why CHISTRE has been so successful.
  2. STEVE NWAGBO is a legal practitioner of 18 years, with a highly successful practice. He has distinguished himself in the area of maritime and corporate service, with clientele cutting across government, shipping, banking, and manufacturing sectors. He was the General Secretary of The Apapa Club from 2000-2002, and is currently a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and The Nigeria Institute of International Law, to name a few.
  3. VERONICA CHAKA holds a doctorate degree in law and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is very accomplished and is an active board member of several companies. She has a vigorous passion for the arts, which is why she runs the Chaka Art Gallery in Apapa, Lagos.
  4. MRS. ROSEMARY HENTEL has exhibited such a spirited love for humanitarian causes that it has won her recognition both locally and internationally. As a widely traveled and well-known businesswoman, she brings her extensive experience in global standard practices to CHISTRE.
  5. MRS. NGOZI OFODUM also brings a wealth of experience to CHISTRE, both in business and in humanitarian work. She is currently the Managing Director of AIRBORNE TRAVELS, amongst other board positions she has occupied over the years. She has devoted a great majority of her professional career to helping children without mothers and orphans in Lagos State, Nigeria.