DAKAR, Senegal - U.S. first lady Laura Bush Tuesday touted the importance of nutrition for HIV/AIDS patients during a visit to Fann Hospital in Dakar, Senegal.

Bush, accompanied by daughter Jenna, toured the hospital's garden and kitchen before delivering a statement to a group of reporters.

"It's often overlooked that one essential thing in the treatment of AIDS or HIV is good nutrition," she said, adding keeping patients adequately fed gives antiretroviral drugs a chance to work. Bush also said she is confident malaria can be wiped out.

Fann Hospital is partly funded by USAID. Its garden gives patients a chance to learn new techniques for raising such vegetables as spinach and kale.

The first lady also visited a primary school. She stayed at Le Meridien President hotel on the Le Corniche coast, a major resort area. Following the Senegal stop, Bush flew to Mozambique.

Copyright © 2007, by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.