Promoting adherence to tuberculosis treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is a good test of a health system: addressing the problem requires the use of laboratories and X-rays, the input of skilled clinicians, a reliable supply of drugs, the use of health education, the provision of continuity of care as well as good follow-up and information systems. WHO’s DOTS strategy has helped improve outcomes in TB in many ways: new resources have been channelled towards TB control programmes, drug supplies and information systems have been strengthened and targets have been set. The strategy has helped ensure that national governments take notice of TB control efforts in their countries and also that advances have been made in the coverage and quality of TB control globally. WHO has refined the global programme in the Stop TB Strategy.1 To ensure that patients benefit from these efforts, it is clear that good health services are necessary but not sufficient. Patients still need to choose to take the drugs.