He said social security systems must be established in both urban and rural areas that can give better support to HIV/AIDS patients and gradually reduce public discrimination against sufferers.
Li also asked the State Council and the Ministry of Finance to start working on a program to introduce governmental and charity funds to promote NGO activities in a bid to better serve HIV/AIDS groups.
In the meantime, he warned that better regulations should be designed in order to prevent anyone from using the allocated funds for other purposes.
Li worked in Henan Province from 1998 to 2004, one of the worst AIDS- hit areas in China.
According to the MOH's report on Wednesday, 17,740 AIDS-related deaths were reported in the country from January to October, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.6 percent. As those living with HIV often develop AIDS over time, AIDS-related deaths are on the rise, the report said.
HIV rates have risen among people aged 15 to 24 and those over 50. From January to October, 16,131 new cases of HIV infections among citizens over 50 were reported, marking a year-on-year increase of 20.2 percent.
There were also 9,514 new cases of HIV reported among young people aged 15 to 24, up 12.8 percent year on year, according to figures from the MOH.
According to China's AIDS Action Plan for the 12th Five-Year Program period (2011-2015) published by the State Council, or China's Cabinet, in February, the country aims to decrease the number of AIDS fatalities by 30 percent by 2015, and new cases by 25 percent, as compared to 2010.
Since the end of 2003, the Chinese government has carried out the policy "four frees, one care" for people living with HIV/AIDS.
This includes free blood tests for those with HIV, free education for orphans of AIDS patients, free consultation and screening tests, and free antiretroviral therapy for pregnant women.
Agencies contributed to this story
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