- DOTS redirects here. For the medical mnemonic, see DOTS (mnemonic).
DOTS (directly observed treatment, short-course.), is the name given to the
tuberculosis control strategy recommended by the
World Health Organization. According to WHO, “The most cost-effective way to stop the spread of TB in communities with a high incidence is by curing it. The best curative method for TB is known as DOTS.” DOTS has five main components:
- Government commitment (including political will at all levels, and establishment of a centralized and prioritized system of TB monitoring, recording and training).
- Case detection by sputum smear microscopy.
- Standardized treatment regimen directly of six to nine months observed by a healthcare worker or community health worker for at least the first two months.
- A drug supply.
- A standardized recording and reporting system that allows assessment of treatment results.