Afghanistan Sees Fourfold Rise In HIV Infection Rate

(RFE/RL) August 2, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Afghan health officials today said the rate of new HIV infections has increased fourfold in the part six months, and called for a nationwide campaign to fight the disease, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan reported.

The Afghan Health Ministry said the country needs at least $40 million to launch a campaign against the growing problem of HIV/AIDS.

According to Afghan official figures, some 75 new cases have been recorded this year. However, international organizations estimate that up to 2,000 people in the country have been infected with HIV in that time frame.

The World Bank has pledged a donation of $10 million to Afghanistan to fight HIV/AIDS.

(with material from Tolo TV)