BEIJING, Nov. 22, 2017 -- China will increase financial input and policy support to eradicate abject poverty.

Eradicating abject poverty, which persists in places including Tibet Autonomous Region and parts of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as well as the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Gansu, is crucial for the success of the country's poverty elimination campaign, according to a guideline issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council Tuesday.

The country will focus on addressing poverty caused by disease and disability while ensuring safe drinking water and housing for the poor, it said.

The government will improve education and employment, with favorable policies in infrastructure construction, land use and social security.

China has set 2020 as the target year to finish building a moderately prosperous society and completely eradicate poverty.