About Us
CHISTRE - Advancing Health Equity in Nigeria
The Centre for HIV/AIDS and STD Research (CHISTRE) is a recognized non-profit organization transforming Nigeria’s health landscape. Established in 2000 and registered with the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission, CHISTRE is dedicated to tackling pressing health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, immunization, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and emerging crises like COVID-19.
With over two decades of continuous impact, CHISTRE has grown from a community resource center into one of Nigeria’s most trusted and recognized health NGOs, committed to advancing health equity for vulnerable populations in rural communities.
Mission
To lift up hard-to-reach Nigerian communities and replace fear with education, prevention, and medical care for those with HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and other health threats.
Vision
To have every Nigerian child, youth, and family access the knowledge and care to live healthy, fulfilled lives.
Our Records of Measurable Impact
Since inception, CHISTRE has reached over 500,000 individuals through HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and treatment support programs across Northern and Southern Nigeria.
In 2023 alone, our TB Active Case Finding program under the Global Fund’s GC7 grant identified 15,000 of presumptive and 1350 TB active active cases across the hard to-reach rural communities.
Across the entire six states of the Northeast Nigeria, CHISTRE launched a viral hepatitis intervention program in 2024, screening 25,000+ people, providing vaccinations, and linking reactive individuals to care. This positioned CHISTRE among the very few Non for profit directly addressing viral hepatitis in rural Nigeria.
CHISTRE has collaborated with leading international and national organizations including KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Institue of Human Virology (IHVN), delivering donor funded projects that align with Nigeria’s national health strategies.
By leveraging modern technologies and social media, CHISTRE has increased the uptake of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) through creative campaigns in local languages, influencer partnerships, survivor-led storytelling, and targeted digital outreach, reaching high-risk populations that conventional programs struggle to access.
Capacity training for Nursing Student on HBV Screen and Vacination.
With more than 16 years of field-tested experience, CHISTRE has built a reputation for transparency, accountability, and timely reporting, making it a reliable partner in multi-stakeholder consortia addressing Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.
Through this consistent record of impact, strategic partnerships, and innovation, CHISTRE has established itself as one of the non-governmental organization advancing health equity and access for vulnerable populations in the rural communities in Nigeria.
Historical Summary
The Birth and Growth of CHISTRE
Our work began modestly over two decades ago as a dedicated community resource center, fueled by the immediate need to fill critical health gaps. That pioneering commitment has since expanded into a national movement, continuing to build bridges of care where they are needed most.
CHISTRE has built a strong reputation for transparency, accountability, and timely reporting across multi-stakeholder consortia, backed by several years of field-tested experience.
Human Dignity
Dignity:We believe every person deserves respect, care, and the right to health no matter where they live or what their circumstances are.
Compassion in Action
Our work is born out of the pain we have seen in families and communities. We respond with empathy that is practical, not distant bringing education, testing, and care where it is most needed.
Courage
We are not afraid to speak the truth or walk into hard places (like the Boko Haram dreaded states). From challenging harmful myths to addressing sensitive health issues, we choose courage over silence.
Equity and Inclusion
We reach out to those most neglected whether in remote villages, conflict areas, or among marginalized groups. We serve without discrimination of tribe,religion, gender, or status.
Resilience and Perseverance
We started with little more than determination, and that spirit keeps us going. Even with scarce resources, we continue to adapt, grow, and press forward until lives are changed.
Empowering the Next Generation
Young people are not just beneficiaries they are our partners. By equipping and involving them, we create a movement that carries health education and hope into every corner of society.
Partnership and Trust
We value honest and open collaboration. Whether with communities, government, or international supporters, we build relationships based on trust, accountability, and shared purpose.