Centre for Human Virology and Genomics (CHVG) is an ISO 15189 accredited and a WHO Prequalification laboratory. In 2021, after a rigorous assessment process, it became officially designated as a WHO national laboratory for HIV drug resistance testing. The Center has been actively involved in responding to COVID-19 pandemic since its inception which has been quite tasking disrupting some of the routine services provided. However, in 2021 we returned back the routine service provision alongside the free PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 from our drive-through center.
Yellow fever and Lassa fever are endemic diseases which have been recently associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Diagnosis of these diseases have been quite challenging due to limited access to diagnostics. This compelled us to develop two kits namely: NIMR Yellow Fever Virus RT-q PCR Kit and NIMR Lassa Fever Virus RT-q PCR Kit. The kits have been successfully validated are in use. Other innovations are in the pipeline at CHVG.
CHVG has three research groups; Viral surveillance, Population Genomics and Cancer (POPGEC) and Blood Genetics and Transfusion research groups.
The Viral Surveillance group seeks to understand the ecology of viruses associated with viral haemorrhagic fever and their hosts in order to develop effective public health strategy for their control in Nigeria. This group also conducts research into other viruses of public health importance. The research focus of this group include:
- Characterization of viruses associated with VHFs, provide information on main reservoirs of infection in VHF-prone areas and train a crop of young scientists in support of the National Control Program.
- Conduct surveillance and molecular characterization of major viruses of public health importance.
- Development and validation of PCR assays (conventional and real time) and serological assays (antigen, and antibody based) for active surveillance. Contact: rosemaryaudu@nimr.gov.ng or josephshaibu@gmail.com
The Population Genomics & Cancer (POPGEC) group focuses on utilizing molecular and genomic technologies for various research, relevant to improve human health. POPGEC’s current research themes include:
1. Population Genomics and Epidemiology.
- Cancer and Genotoxicity.
- Diagnostic Assays Development Programme.
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology contact: popgec2020@gmail.com or chikaonwuamah@nimr.gov.ng
The Blood Genetics & Transfusion Research group (BGTR) focus on the significant reduction in transmission of diseases through blood transfusion. The group aims to develop and evaluate reference reagents thereby forming standards for detection assays. BGTR major objective is to identify genes which define immune response to pathogens and blood disorders therefore, discovering new target genes for therapeutic approach. Contact: fhemy2003@yahoo.com or osamoo@nimr.gov.ng
We conduct all our research and service activities in line with quality management system (QMS), as CHVG continues to advance in laboratory systems quality implementation.
The CHVG has state of the art equipment, and many more equipment have been added to the list. We welcome researchers who wants to collaborate with us, just send an email to chvg.micro@nimr.gov.ng or apokwuraiwe@nimr.gov.ng
Quality Management System Training: As a certified and accredited laboratory, CHVG offers to the public several years of both theoretical and practical knowledge and experience gained on Quality Management System (QMS), to different individuals and laboratories who seek to improve their service delivery and become accredited.
Cost: N200,000 per participant
Training duration: five (5) days
Venues: CHVG Conference room, NIMR
Facilitators: Mrs. Morenike Igbinavbiere, Mr. Disu Tajudeen, Dr. Sam Amoo
A Certificate will be issued at the end of the training.
- Molecular and Genetic Techniques of infectious diseases Training: At our highly equipped and constantly evolving molecular labs, the basics of molecular techniques available (manual and automated) will be covered. This will be supported with practical sessions. The experience will be enriching due to the varied research activities occurring at the laboratory constantly. A tour of NIMR Central laboratory facility (which houses a next generation sequencer) will be conducted.
Cost: N150,000 per participant
Training duration: five (5) days (plus another optional 5 days of lab practical)
Venues: CHVG Conference room and the Molecular lab
Facilitators: Dr. Chika Onwuamah, Mr. Rahaman Ahmed, Dr. Sam Amoo
A Certificate will be issued at the end of the training.
- World Hepatitis Day; July 28th.
Dr. Azuka Patrick Okwuraiwe
Head, Centre for Human Virology & Genomics
Miss Omuwa Blessing Musa
STAFF OF THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 2021
(For hardwork and ability to work on many benches)
Mr. Rahman Ahmed
STAFF OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 2021
(For efficiency and willingness to take up additional responsibility)
Miss Olayinka Tanimoso, Miss Damilola Apata & Miss Ruth Oyesola
(Customer Service Team)
STAFF OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2022
(For prompt response in documentation and release of patients’ results)
NOTE: At the field name of service, please select “HVL Income” instead of “OI income” stated on the guide. This is crucial else you will not see the tests you want to pay for. Use the prices in the Clients handbook to fill in the unit cost per test you select. The total amount payable will then be automatically generated. You can then procedure to fill the remaining fields, and following the prompts to pay online using your bank card or generate an RRR code to use to pay cash at any bank.
Subsequently, download and filled our test request form and ship the sample to our facility with copy of the payment receipt and the filled request form.
| S/N | NAME | DESIGNATION |
| 1. | Prof. (Mrs.) R. A. Audu | Director of Research/HOD, Microbiology |
| 2. | Dr. Chika K. Onwuamah | Chief Research Fellow |
| 3. | Dr. Azuka P. Okwuraiwe | Research Fellow I/Head CHVG |
| 4. | Dr. Olufemi S. Amoo | Research Fellow I |
| 5. | Mrs. Fehintola A. Ige | Research Fellow II |
| 6. | Mrs. Mabel O. Uwandu | Junior Research Fellow |
| 7. | Mrs. C. Leona Okoli | Chief Science Lab. Technologist |
| 8. | Mr. Gideon O. Liboro | Chief Med. Lab. Scientist |
| 9. | Mr. Ebenezer O. Odewale | Asst. Chief Med. Lab. Scientist |
| 10. | Mrs. Rashidat M. Omoloye | Principal Science Lab. Tech. |
| 11. | Mrs. Morenike A. Igbinavbiere | Principal Science Lab. Tech. |
| 12. | Mrs. Chinasa C. Onyeitu | Principal Science Lab. Tech. |
| 13. | Miss Joy M. Odofin | Science Lab. Technologist |
| 14. | Mr. Osaga O. Oforomeh | Principal System Analyst I |
| 15. | Mr. Christian A. Ojonugba | Senior Executive Officer (Accounts) |
| 16. | Mr. Sunday O. Francis | Higher Executive Officer (Accounts) |
| 17. | Mrs. Roseline O. Alesinloye | Chief Executive Officer |
| 18. | Mrs. Obioma G. Iyke-Azike | Admin. Officer 1 |
| 19. | Mr. Prince U. Atat | Assistant Executive Officer |
| 20. | Mrs. Mary O. Alexander | Higher Executive Officer |
| 21. | Mr. Eghosa Ehikhametalo | Higher Executive Officer |
| 22. | Mrs. Elizabeth O. Oyesola | Executive Officer |
| 23. | Mr. Boniface Ajenu | Senior Motor Driver/Mechanic I |
| 24. | Mr. Joseph O. Shaibu | Project-Research Fellow |