(ARGM) - Adults in the United States believe HIV/AIDS is a big concern in Africa, according to a poll by Gallup. 96 per cent of respondents mention the epidemic as a very serious health problem in the continent.

Poor nutrition is next on the list with 88 per cent, followed by malaria with 62 per cent, tuberculosis with 53 per cent, and cancer with 30 per cent. According to the United Nations (UN), two million Africans die of AIDS each year, and 1 million more succumb to malaria.

Earlier this month, University of Washington researchers concluded that the interaction of malaria and HIV in Kisumu, Kenya, is responsible for thousands of HIV infections. Researcher Laith Abu-Raddad explained the situation, saying, "While HIV/AIDS is predominantly spreading through sexual intercourse, this biological co-factor induced by malaria has contributed considerably to the spread of HIV by increasing transmission probability per sexual act."

On Dec. 14, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed his government's efforts to fight malaria in Africa, saying, "We're spending $1.2 billion U.S. over five years to provide bed nets, and indoor spraying, and anti-malaria medicine in 15 African countries. We are focusing our efforts to eradicate malaria on 15 countries. We are insisting on measuring. This project is measurable. We can determine whether or not nets are being distributed or medicine is being provided. But more importantly, we can measure whether or not we're saving lives."

Polling Data

For each of the following health conditions, please say whether you think it is a very serious problem in Africa?

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