In a meeting at Iran's Academy of Medical Sciences, Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Ahad, the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) Representative a.i. in Iran, provided key insights into the country's demographic transition and strategies in place to navigate evolving population dynamics.

During the meeting on January 04, 2024, Abdel-Ahad highlighted Iran's demographic journey, characterized by a decline in mortality and fertility rates, and reaching below replacement levels at approximately 1.6 children per woman. He drew parallels with other Asian countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam, showcasing the shared experience of demographic shifts in the region.

"The average fertility rate in Asia stands at 1.9 children per woman, with notable variations such as Thailand at 1.46, South Korea at 0.7, and Malaysia at 1.82," Abdel-Ahad noted. He emphasized the challenge posed by a high rate of population aging, a phenomenon witnessed not only in Iran but also in its Asian counterparts.

The UNFPA Representative a.i. shed light on the UNFPA's Country Programme in Iran, outlining strategies to address population dynamics and enhance maternal health. These include empowering young people, adopting a life cycle approach to improve the quality of reproductive health care for women, strengthening the capacity of health personnel in early detection and management of reproductive health morbidities, and supporting the reduction of unnecessary c-sections while promoting natural births.

Moreover, Abdel-Ahad reiterated UNFPA's commitment to fostering collaboration between Iran and other countries facing similar demographic challenges. He highlighted the role of UNFPA in facilitating Iran's high-level delegation participation in the Asia and Pacific Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2023, and focused on changes in population dynamics and their impact on sustainable development. As a follow-up, UNFPA is planning to foster dialogues between Iran and other countries in Asia, to share experience, good practices and lessons learned in addressing emerging population issues. 

Dr. Hasan Eini, Programme Analyst at UNFPA Iran,  also present at the meeting, brought forth critical points on the need for a holistic approach to address contemporary population dynamics; the potential opportunities presented by demographic dividends; and UNFPA's proposal of a life cycle approach to healthy aging; ensuring resilience, dignity, and empowerment in an inclusive society.

The meeting at the Academy of Medical Sciences provided a platform for robust discussions and collaborative efforts to navigate Iran's demographic landscape and capitalize on the opportunities presented by evolving population dynamics.