DOT DOTS and the need to act now.

More than 127 countries worldwide including all the high-burden ones are implementing the WHO tuberculosis (TB) control strategy known as DOTS today. This strategy consists of a five-point policy package one of which is "standardized short-course chemotherapy for all TB cases under proper case-management conditions including direct observation of treatment". Proper case-management conditions imply technically sound and socially supportive treatment services. In past years the practical meaning of this element has been clarified in a large number of publications: it is a range of measures in addition to directly observed therapy (DOT) aimed at promoting treatment adherence. These measures focus on placing patients and their families at the center of TB control activities providing support and care that is sensitive to their needs and finding locally appropriate ways of reinforcing their motivation to complete treatment. (excerpt)