WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has economic, political and security interests in Africa. More and more, President Bush has personal ones.

Heading into his second trip to the continent, Bush was pressed by radio reporters from the region about what was really driving his agenda. He spoke of instilling hope and opportunity as an alternative to extremism, a familiar theme for him. But he also spoke about a moral imperative — his country's and his own.

With backing from Congress, Bush is behind an emergency HIV/AIDS response that is the largest in history to target an infectious disease. He is now trying to double its size, from the commitment of $15 billion to another $30 billion over the next five years.

''I couldn't live with myself if I didn't develop an effective strategy and call upon the American people to help,'' Bush said in a round-table with reporters at the White House on Thursday. The group included one representative from every country he is visiting: Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia. Bush was to depart Washington on Friday

Bush, nearing the end of a presidency dominated by the war in Iraq, is proud of humanitarian foreign policy, too. He often talks about how many Americans are unaware of their own generosity abroad, and he makes a point to publicize the country's giving nature. His aides say he takes Africa policy personally.

The president is also behind a major effort to reduce Malaria, which is a major killer of young children in Africa.

''When you see human suffering, it's based upon something that affects your heart,'' Bush said. ''And so that's why I've made the decisions I've made.''

The president is traveling there with his wife, Laura. It will be her fifth trip to the continent during the Bush presidency.

Bush covered a range of other topics with the reporters. Among them: