The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) and 44 charity
organizations on Friday launched 130 charity programs aimed at
helping poor people.
A total of 2.8 billion yuan (US$359 million) will be spent on
the programs, which cover assistance for the elderly, the disabled
and orphans, as well as education, medical care and disaster
relief.
Some programs target diseases such as leukemia, breast cancer,
cleft lips and cataract, about which poor people are often
ignorant, according to the ministry.
The ministry also established an information center on Friday to
gather and analyze charity activity information, which will improve
supervision and evaluation of charity groups.
"One major reason for the incomplete use of charity resources in
China is the weak development of the information-sharing network,"
said Li Liguo, vice minister of Civil Affairs, adding that the
center will help improve the management of charity programs.
(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2007)