DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course)

DOTS, or Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course, is a tuberculosis (TB) control strategy where healthcare workers observe patients taking their medication daily. This ensures the full course of treatment is completed, reducing the risk of drug resistance and increasing the likelihood of curing the disease. The approach combines government commitment, diagnosis, ensuring medication supply, supervised treatment, and monitoring progress. Essentially, DOTS provides support and oversight to help patients stick to their TB treatment, ultimately improving individual health outcomes and protecting public health by preventing the spread and resistance of TB.