The China Maternal and Child Health Association was founded here Monday, in a bid to help increase social management and public service for the health of women and children.

Zhang Meiying, vice chairperson of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was elected honorary chairperson of the organization.

The association will focus on participating in reforms in the maternal and child health sector, conducting research, making technical standards for the sector, and carrying out international cooperation and exchanges in the field.

According to official figures, China has more than 3,000 maternal and child health institutions, with a total staff of 300,000.