Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for improving the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS ahead of the 31st World AIDS Day that falls on Dec. 1.

A file photo of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang [Photo: Xinhua]

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in an instruction that China still faces tough tasks in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS although its has managed to keep the disease at a low prevalence rate.

Li urged relevant parties to improve the comprehensive prevention and control system, continue focusing on the situation among susceptible population or in key areas at important stages, and enhance the capabilities of monitoring, early warning and intervention.

He also stressed the importance of implementing policies on drug supply, medical insurance and medical assistance, improving public education, and increasing scientific research and international cooperation.

China has 820,756 people living with HIV/AIDS, and 253,031 people had died of AIDS-related diseases as of the end of June, according to a report released at the fifth National Conference on HIV/AIDS in September.