2005 global tuberculosis targets may be out of reach (p 814)
An article in this week's issue of THE LANCET cautions that key targets for tuberculosis control-due to be reached by next year-are unlikely to be met unless renewed strategic action and financial support can be secured. Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death among adults in less-developed countries; incidence is rising in sub-Saharan Africa and countries in the former Soviet Union. A failure to provide treatment in accordance with the international standard of care can sometimes result in patients being unable to take treatment properly. This can lead to failure to cure the disease and to prevent subsequent relapse. The tuberculosis control strategy recommended by WHO to tackle thi