What is DOTS and the global strategy to combat TB?
• Developed in 1995, directly observed treatment, short-course, or DOTS, has been the internationally recommended strategy to control TB. DOTS aims to decrease TB-related morbidity, prevent TB deaths, and decrease TB transmission. To achieve these goals, DOTS has five major components: • Political commitment with increased and sustained financing; • Case detection through quality-assured bacteriology; • Standardized treatment with supervision and patient support; • An effective drug supply and management system; and • A monitoring and evaluation system, and impact measurement. In an effort to build upon the DOTS strategy, the Stop TB Partnership, a network of more than 500 international organizations, countries, donors from the public and private sectors, and nongovernmental and governmental entities, was established in March 2000 with the singular goal of eliminating TB. The World Health Organization (WHO) is a leading agency in the partnership and serves as its Secretariat. In 2006,
