3. Tuberculosis control Jim Yong Kim, Aaron Shakow, Arachu
Castro, Chris Vande, Paul Farmer TB control: DOTS (2) -
Standardized nature of DOTS simplifies drug-supply
considerations, allowing inexpensive and effective management -
But, DOTS not being implemented quickly enough - Only 27% of
people diagnosed with TB receive DOTS The benefits of DOTS are
clear. The standardized nature of DOTS has simplified drug-
supply considerations, which allows for inexpensive and
effective management even where health-care infrastructure is
lacking. The cost of DOTS-based TB control is approximately
$20-57 per death averted, and U.S.$ 1-3 per disability-adjusted
life year (DALY) gained. Without treatment, an estimated 70% of
people with infectious TB will die. Although weak TB-control can
decrease mortality, they have less impact on morbidity, as many
people remain chronically ill. However, DOTS can rapidly reduce
both mortality and morbidity from TB, often curing over 85% of
patients. Since curing TB prevents the infection