Final answer:
The misconception that 'no one knew AIDS was there' is not a reason for its spread in Africa, as awareness was prominent by the year 2000. Factors like a lack of funds, stigma, and government resistance played a major role instead.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason that was NOT a factor in the rapid spread of AIDS in Africa is 'no one knew it was there'. By the year 2000, the awareness of HIV/AIDS was quite prominent, and there were other significant challenges that contributed to the spread of the disease in Africa. These included a lack of funds for healthcare and medication, the stigma and shame associated with being HIV positive which often led to people avoiding getting tested or seeking treatment, and resistance from governments to engage effectively with international health communities or to accept medical help from organizations like the United Nations. While denial and misinformation about the disease did contribute to the spread of AIDS in the early years, especially in the United States where it was initially labeled as a 'gay plague', in Africa, the primary issues centered around poverty, stigma, and governmental inaction.