China Charity Federation (CCF) launched a program Friday to help children with curvature of the spine.

Curvature of the spine, or scoliosis, may lead to chronic back pain and pinch internal organs such as the lungs or create an too-large cavity for the heart to fill.

This program, a joint effort by the CCF, an orthopedic company and several hospitals, aims to help more than 100 children who suffer from scoliosis in 2006, with a budget between 5 million yuan (US$625,000) to 7 million yuan (US$875,000).

According to Fan Baojun, chairman of the CCP, young scoliosis patients in Beijing account for 1.06 percent of China's total. There are several million young people in the country who suffered from scoliosis, he added.

He also noted that corrective surgery cost between 50,000 yuan (US$6,250) and 100,000 yuan (US$12,500), a too-high financial burden for most families who also have to pay the cost of their kids education.

There are many charity hospitals offering free treatment for scoliosis children overseas, but none in China, Fan said. "Along with aid for education and the elderly, and disaster relief, medical aid is also an important part of the federation's work."

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2006)