title: Tuberculosis remains a challenge despite economic growth in Panama.
abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease associated with inequality, and wise investment of economic resources is considered critical to its control. Panama has recently secured its status as an upper-middle-income country with robust economic growth. However, the prioritisation of resources for TB control remains a major challenge. In this article, we highlight areas that urgently require action to effectively reduce TB burden to minimal levels. Our conclusions suggest the need for fund allocation and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure prompt laboratory diagnosis, treatment assurance and workforce reinforcement, complemented by applied and operational research, development and innovation.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neumología, Hospital Santo Tomas, Panama City, Panama; Centro de Biología Molecular y Celular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, Panama; Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tarajia
authors.affiliation: Centro de Biología Molecular y Celular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, Panama.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goodridge
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics*; D057217:Economic Development; D059066:Gross Domestic Product; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006292:Health Priorities / Q000191:economics; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010176:Panama / Q000453:epidemiology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology