To draw social attention to maternal and children’s health, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) launched“The Year of Women’s and Children’s Health” in Lishui, Zhejiang province on May 5.

“The campaign is a step to push forward healthcare reform, which requires the NHFPC to cooperate with the Women's Federation and governments at all levels”, Wang Guoqiang, vice-minister of the NHFPC said at the launching ceremony.

“The Year of Women’s and Children’s Health” was originally launched by the NHFPC and All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) in 2014. The year-long campaign covered 10 provinces and regions, training medical staff and spreading knowledge about maternal and pediatric health. This year’s campaign will be carried out in 11 provinces, with Lishui as its first stop, with promotion activities, free clinics and consultations for local people.

Nearly 450 experts, health officials and provincial officials took part in the launching ceremony.