Member Associations

HERA (the Health Education and Research Association) was founded in 2000 as a volunteer’s movement of university students. It was in response to the country’s need for improved HIV education and treatment and for better care for people living with HIV. Since its beginnings HERA recognized the need to integrate HIV activities and services into broader sexual and reproductive health (SRH) provision. Today HERA is a leading national NGO working in the field of HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights. HERA focuses on national and international advocacy for comprehensive and right-based policies and programmes on HIV and sexual and reproductive health. It particularly advocates for sexuality education and for a women’s right to choose and access to safe abortion services.

Established in 1949, the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) is a founding member of IPPF. Its work in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) covers safe motherhood and child survival, empowerment of women, male involvement, adolescent health and youth development. FPAI works closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the government. It runs 39 permanent clinics, 101 mobile facilities, and has a network of nearly 2,700 community-based distributors /services (CBDs/CBSs). It works with 563 private practitioners and 196 other agencies. In addition, FPAI operates 3 infertility clinics, a contraceptive retail sales programme, and a condom dispensing service. In total, FPAI operates over 4,000 service points. A community-centred approach is at the core of FPAI's work. Our programmes are designed to deliver improved health and standards of living, better decision-making, and greater self-reliance. It aims to enable men and women to form local voluntary groups to initiate action in communities. Work primarily focuses on under-served rural areas and urban slums. The organization exploits a variety of media to impart its message, including film, radio, newsletters, journals and other print materials, as part of a wide-ranging education programme addressing topics such as family planning, maternal and child health, the risks of unsafe abortion, infertility, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and counselling for newlyweds. FPAI encourages the empowerment of women through mahila mandals (women's groups), balwadis (nursery schools), and literacy and income generation programmes. It’s been addressing the concerns of young people in a holistic manner through 30 Sexuality Education, Counselling, Research, Training/Therapy (SECRT) Centres spread acrosss the country. The centres offer youth-friendly services that prepare young people for their future by building the confidence and self-esteem essential to forging healthy relationships. They also offer counselling and information on various developmental issues, including sex, coping with preer pressure, relationships, responsible sexual behaviour, marriage, parenthood, contraception and the prevention of STIs including HIV and AIDS. As an advocate, FPAI exerts influence through community representatives, through the media, and through representation on government bodies such as the Central Health and Welfare Council and Steering Committee on Population Education.   Contacts Website: http://fpaindia.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPAI.national