During summer of 2002 I worked at the Family Planning Association of Islamic Republic of Iran (FPA/IRA). FPA is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that contributes to the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Iran and is a full member of International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). FPA's office is located in the capital city of Tehran. Over one thousand volunteer members from different provinces make up the main human resource of the association.

Iran has gone through a population growth transition in which it moved form a period of high growth rate of 3.2% in 1986 to a low growth rate period of 1.3% in 2001. The current public health policies in Iran promote reproductive health and provide family planning services to the public free of charge.

FPA is an active NGO and is involved in number of educational, advocacy and expansion projects. I worked closely with my preceptor, Dr. Moossavi the CEO of the FPA, during my internship. My activities included writing of various health intervention project proposals for submission to international funding sources, participation in evaluation of the FPA's self analysis reports to the IPPF which pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the Association, and preparation of presentations for international conferences which discussed Iran's current family planning and reproductive health status and FPA's achievements. I also participated in the FPA's ongoing projects such as the evaluation of the Afghan immigrant education project and visiting government projects on family planning and reproductive health in rural and urban centers.

The internship at the Family Planning Association of Islamic Republic of Iran provided me with an opportunity to be exposed to the different approaches and perspectives in reproductive health in Iran and learn about the driving forces and factors behind its success. I consider my internship as a very positive experience that could be valuable in my future career in international health.