China's NGOs praised for role in fighting HIV/AIDS (3)

Prior to the State Council meeting, Li had a discussion with a group of NGO representatives from across the country, including retired doctors, college students and volunteers, some of whom are infected by HIV, according to the press release.

Li spoke highly of domestic NGOs' role in combating HIV/AIDS. "What you have done is wholly charitable and the principles of mutual support and mutual assistance symbolize the brilliance of human nature and the power of humanism," he told them.

China's near-1,000 NGOs involved in battling HIV/AIDS represent an indispensable, special force, Li said, vowing the government will continue supporting these organizations.

"In the future, we will pay greater attention to the voice of NGOs," he told the representatives, who expressed wishes to receive more supports in terms of government's purchase of services, funds, and taxation policies.

UNICEF representative to China Gillian Mellsop, who also attended the meeting with Li, underscored China's achievements in dealing with the issue, particularly in giving care to patients and controlling mother-to-child HIV transmission.