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

BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has pledged to spend more in combating HIV/AIDS, while promising to give greater support to non-government organizations (NGOs) in this field.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Monday presided over a plenary meeting of the State Council commission on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, according to an official press release issued on Wednesday.

Li, who heads the commission, said because the government holds prime responsibility on the matter, more government funds should be spent on the anti-AIDS efforts, including the expansion of free antiviral treatment among the people living with HIV/AIDS.

The government will study the possibility to have anti-HIV infection treatment spending covered by the basic medical insurance scheme for urban residents, as what has been done in rural areas, Li said.