Beijing - The Chinese government and civil society have joined hands for the first time in responding to HIV/AIDS, as the high-profile China Red Ribbon Beijing Forum was launched on Monday to share information and pool resources in fighting the disease.

Represented by key government officials from the health and social security ministries, members of academia and civil societies composed primarily of sufferers, the forum aims to provide the government with feasible and constructive recommendations in the battle against AIDS.

"Civil societies play an indispensable role in effective AIDS control led by the government and the forum helps form a long-term partnership between the two," Vice-Health Minister Yin Li said.