Pupils show a huge red ribbon, the HIV/AIDS awareness symbol, formed by red scarves to mark the World AIDS Day in Dexing City, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 1, 2015. The World AIDS Day, which was started in 1988, is observed each year on Dec. 1 to raise the awareness of AIDS. [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has ordered more initiatives to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS to limit prevalence of the disease.

In a written instruction to a meeting on prevention and control of major diseases held in Beijing Tuesday, Li said the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

While commending "marked progress" made in prevention and control of HIV and AIDS during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), Li ordered more efforts to target challenges in controlling the spread of HIV and AIDS during the 13th Five-Year Plan(2016-2020).

Intervention needs to be more efficient, testing and counseling services more accessible, public education more targeted and follow-up services improved, Li said.

The premier also ordered "across-the-board implementation" of testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, medical assistance and other policy measures.

Li guaranteed prevention and control funds, drug research and development, international cooperation and greater roles for social organizations and volunteers.

Vice Premier Liu Yandong said at the meeting that the prevention and treatment capacity of major and communicable disease should be comprehensively enhanced.