DOTS Expansion
DOTS expansion is at the heart of the new Stop TB Strategy.
DOTS expansion is more than simply expanding the geographical coverage of DOTS, the internationally recognized strategy for TB case-finding and cure. It implies ensuring equitable access to quality TB diagnosis and treatment and care for all patients, i.e. for patients with all types of TB, patients of all age groups and from all socioeconomic strata, and men and women equally.
DOTS is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. Thus, a substantial increase in investment in DOTS will have a major impact on saving lives in the poorest countries while having a minimal financial effect.
We estimate the full implementation of the Global Plan's DOTS expansion activities, including some aspects of technical cooperation, requires US$31.4 billion over ten years.
