Just a quick reply on TB.
(But I'm not going to be diverted. ;) )

There are problems controlling TB:

- the vaccine is only 70 -80% effective.
- the vaccine cannot be given if the mantoux test is positive.
- the mantoux test is not straightforward requiring a test injection followed by examination of the result after 72 hours
- the treatment is complicated, expensive, and prolonged and requires the use triple-drug regimens. The result that third world countries fail to provide adequate financial and manpower support, medical/nursing personel especially in third world countries often fail to implement it properly, and patients often fail to complete treatment.
- HIV in third world countries is compounding this effect by adversely affecting the immune system of carriers of TB.

Again, it is a big issue, and we must be careful here that we don't end up discusssing everything and learning nothing.

regards,
BillyJoe