A list of the panel members is attached. Introduction Tuberculosis is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other single infectious disease. The 3.1 million deaths per year due to tuberculosis exceed the 2.1 million annual deaths attributed to malaria and equal the death rate for all diarrheal diseases combined.
More women die from tuberculosis than from all maternally related causes.
Most believe, however, that tuberculosis will remain a problem among population segments in the United States and that as long as tuberculosis exists anywhere in the world it will continue to enter the country. The review panel was impressed with the quality and variety of ongoing research on the problem of tuberculosis. However, they had concern about some of the effort. Accordingly, the committee has identified opportunities and needs that should receive emphasis and, if funds are limited, a redirection of funds. Also, as requested, the committee has identified areas of research where we believe the funding level can be reduced, if necessary.