Tb Dots

Feby Rhea F. Grande BS- Pharmacy 3A

* TB- D.O.T.S. (Tuberculosis: Directly-Observed Treatment Short-course)

D.O.T.S. stands for Directly-Observed Treatment Short-course. It is a comprehensive strategy

endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Union against Tuberculosis

and Lung Diseases (IUATLD) to detect and cure TB patients. There are five elements of DOTS

that need to be fulfilled. These are:

1. political commitment

2. quality sputum microscopy for diagnosis

3. regular supply of anti-TB drugs

4. standardized recording and reporting of TB data

5. supervised treatment by a treatment partner

According to the WHO Report on the TB Epidemic, 1997: A DOTS cure TB patients and it can

produce cure rates as high as 95% even in the poorest countries.

>A DOTS prevent new infections among children and adults.

>A DOTS can stop resistance to anti-TB drugs.

>A DOTS is cost-effective.

* The five elements of DOTS

* Element 1: Political commitment with increased and sustained financing

Clear and sustained political commitment by national governments is crucial if basic DOTS and the Stop TB Strategy are to be effectively implemented. Political commitment is needed to foster national and international partnerships, which should be linked to long-term strategic action plans prepared by NTPs. Strategic action plans should address technical and financial requirements and promote accountability for results at all levels of the health system; they should include TB-related and other relevant indicators, and – where appropriate – political commitment should be backed up by national legislation.1 Local partnerships with many potential contributors will help improve TB care in terms of access, equity and quality.

Adequate funding is essential. Current resources are inadequate, and further effort is required to mobilize additional resources from domestic as well as international sources, with a progressive increase...