China's NGOs praised for role in fighting HIV/AIDS (2)

At the meeting, participants heard a report from the Ministry of Health on the country's HIV/AIDS control, which said the mortality rate of AIDS patients who were receiving treatment has almost halved.

The rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission has plunged to 7.4 percent at present, from 34.8 percent in 2007, according to the meeting.

However, Li warned that China still faces a grave situation in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, which requires more collaborations between government organs and greater participation of non-governmental groups.

"HIV/AIDS is a difficult medical problem yet to be completely overcome by human beings, and it is not only a medical issue but also a social challenge," Li was quoted as saying in the press release.