Health Education and Research Association is established in January 2000 at an initiative of a group of 6 young volunteers – university students and medical doctors. The objectives set at the time were primarily focused on primary prevention and training on issues related to HIV/AIDS, promotion of healthy lifestyle among the youth, as well as providing access to treatment and care for people living with HIV and their families. Since its beginnings the HERA has recognized the need for promoting the concept of sexual and reproductive health and rights which was integrated, at an early stage of its existence in its Program and activities, stipulated as a comprehensive approach in the fight against HIV/AIDS epidemics introduced in the public health sector, based on the respect of human rights.
Today, the HERA is a leading organization in the civil society sector working towards the promotion and enhancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially in the area of provision of direct services in its centers and during its outreach work. Currently it is implementing a number of projects, primarily for the youth and the vulnerable, including those people who are at the brink of the social and economic ladder, the Roma and the people who live with HIV and AIDS, as well as men having sex with men and sex workers, providing them access to comprehensive information, sexual education, as well as free and confidential health and social services. During the course of the last several years the HERA concentrated its efforts in building the capacities of the civil society sector, the education and health systems all in order to introduce the concept of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Along with its direct service provision, the capacity building process in those relevant institutions and organizations and the awareness-raising in general, the HERA strongly committed itself to the lobbying in favor of introducing better national policies and legislation in order for the country to accomplish highest possible standards in the realm of sexual and reproductive health and rights for its people.