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)