1. HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern and cause of death in many parts of Africa. Although
Africa is home to about 14.5% of the world's population, it is estimated to be home to 69% of all
people living with HIV and to 72% of all AIDS deaths in 2009.
Southern Africa is the worst affected region of Africa, as well as the worst affected region in the
world, with the epidemic reaching very high levels in Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho, South
Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. By contrast, North Africa has low HIV/AIDS rates.