President Bush is set to begin his African trip to countries like Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia, in an attempt to combat the three elements that unfortunately govern this part of the world: poverty, disease and corruption. However, the U.S. leader will avoid some of the “hot spots”, such as the Darfur region in Sudan, or the wars in Kenya and Congo.

The main purposes of Bush’s trip to Africa include the $15 billion aid over the next five years, meant to help the fight against malaria and AIDS. Statistics have shown that 3,000 Africans die every day of AIDS, while other 11,000 get infected. Africa is the continent where malaria mostly prevails and at the same time, the continent where most malaria deaths occur.

Bush’s aid to Africa is the largest one ever, and five times bigger than the one offered during the Clinton administration. It is the most significant step so far towards helping some of the African countries fight the terrible diseases and at the same time, it’s a proof that not everything that has to do with the Bush administration has to resume to military actions.

Although satisfied with the initiative to increase the financial help for African countries, Bush’s critics blame at the same time his decision to avoid the countries that they say need the most attention at the moment. And indeed, the problems in the countries on Bush’s agenda are severe, but not as critical as the situation in some of the neighboring countries, such as Kenya, Congo or Nigeria.

Over $5.5 billion have been directed to 16 African countries so far, in what is known as foreign-aid compacts. The funds are intended to help fight corruption and improve the educational and health systems. At the same time, President Bush’s visit will set a landmark on the path to setting new economical and political reforms in some parts of Africa.