The professional journey of Catherine Igben, a Nigerian, is a story of resilience, initiative, and an unwavering passion for improving community health. Currently finalizing her PhD program in Public Health at Maseno University in Kenya, Catherine’s recent certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist has further solidified her expertise in the field. With a strong foundation in health education and an avid desire to address critical health issues, Catherine's innovative work in family planning using the Symptothermal Method (STM) as a strategy to ameliorate unmet need for family planning, underscores her commitment to empowering women and enhancing community well-being.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Passion
Catherine's journey of being certified began in 2013 during her bachelor’s degree in health education, in the department of physical and health education at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. This foundational experience solidified her interest in health education, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in health education, in the department of health promotion and environmental health education from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 2016.
"My early education gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to understand the true complexities of public health issues," she says. "It was a steppingstone to where I am today as a PhD fellow in public health."
CHES® Certification: A Turning Point
In April 2024, after years of hard work and determination, Catherine earned her CHES®. The decision to pursue certification was driven by her desire to enhance her professional competence and credibility in the field. "I researched the certification process thoroughly and realized it was something I could achieve, even while practicing overseas," she explains.
The certification process was not without its challenges, particularly the logistics of preparing for and taking the exam from Kenya. Despite these hurdles, Catherine's commitment never wavered. "It was a rigorous process, but I was determined," she notes. “I went to the NCHEC website, researched eligibility, and contacted the exam coordinator, who helped me with the process. I realized – I can do this.”
Impact and Professional Growth
The CHES® certification has equipped Catherine with advanced skills in needs assessment, program planning, and implementation, which she has applied to various health education initiatives. "Being certified has added to my confidence level and has been a very good addition to my career growth," she shares. Catherine emphasizes the importance of the certification in Kenya, Nigeria and other African Countries, where health education is crucial for addressing numerous public health challenges. “My hope is to see others like me pursue this certification and get certified.”
Current Work: Addressing Unmet Need for Family Planning
Catherine's recent work focuses on the unmet need for family planning among women in Kisumu County, Kenya. She has been assessing, planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating an intervention using the Symptothermal Method (STM). STM is a natural family planning technique that involves tracking body temperature and other fertility signals to determine the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle.
"STM is an effective strategy to help women with unmet need for family planning manage their reproductive health, especially women who had complications due to hormonal/device contraceptives," Catherine explains. "Our program aims to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about family planning, while avoiding side effects to their health and well-being."
Monitoring and Evaluation: Keys to Success
A critical component of Catherine’s work is training on STM for effective utilization, involving rigorous monitoring and evaluation process. Using tools like SPSS for statistical analysis and research referencing tools such as Mendeley, she ensures that the programs are evidence-based.
"We used baseline study to assess needs and planned for the intervention, while we used quasi experimental study design to implement and evaluate the intervention (STM)," she says. This meticulous approach not only measures the success of the interventions but also guides future replication and scaling up.
Overcoming Challenges and Offering Advice
Reflecting on her journey, Catherine acknowledges the challenges she faced, particularly being overseas when applying for the CHES® certification. "The logistical issues were significant hurdles, but I was determined to overcome them," she recalls. Her advice to others considering CHES® certification is straightforward. "Research thoroughly, stay committed, and use available resources. It’s achievable, even if you’re practicing overseas."
Looking Ahead
As Catherine finalizes her PhD studies in public health, her future goals remain focused on community/organizational health education and promotion. She envisions expanding her projects to reach more communities and developing innovative health education strategies. "I am passionate about promoting the well-being of the community and making a lasting impact through health education," she affirms.
Looking ahead, Catherine envisions a future where her innovative health education strategies reach even more communities across her country. Her unwavering commitment to public health, combined with her advanced expertise and CHES® certification, positions her as a leading force in health education. Catherine's journey demonstrates that dedication and continuous learning can lead to significant positive change. As she continues to break new ground, her work will undoubtedly inspire and uplift many in the field of public health education.