Afghanistan's Health Ministry says 300 new HIV cases have been recorded this year, heightening concern among health officials and aid agencies as the country marks World AIDS Day.

Officials cite low public awareness and limited access to diagnostic and treatment centres as key drivers of the rise, noting that many patients remain unaware of their infection during early stages.

UN figures show Afghanistan reported its first HIV case in 1989, with more than 400 related deaths since. Despite the passage of decades, HIV remains a serious public-health threat.

Families and community groups have urged the ministry to expand prevention and education campaigns, stressing that better information on transmission could help curb new infections.

Health workers say treatment centres in several provinces remain scarce, with shortages of medicine and counselling services posing additional challenges for those living with HIV.

Officials say prevention, education and drug-distribution programmes will continue despite resource constraints, but international partners warn that sustained support is essential to halt further spread.

Public-health experts note that without stronger investment in awareness and nationwide access to care, Afghanistan risks a steady rise in HIV cases in the coming years.

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