GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIRECTLY OBSERVED TREATMENT SHORT
COURSE (DOTS) IN CHILDREN WITH TB
Del
Mundo, F., Corpus, L., Soriano, L., Pajaro, A.
Center for TB in Children, Inc., Quezon City, Philippines
Objective: To determine the
feasibility and efficiency of resource sharing between the government and
non-government organizations in the implementation of a diagnostic and
treatment program utilizing DOTS for children with tuberculosis.
Methods: A protocol for case finding, diagnostic
criteria, standardized treatment, monitoring and evaluation of treatment
outcomes was developed. Coordination with the Department of Health Local
Unit, for the conduct of DOTS program in the area was made. Advocacy for
the adoption of the DOTS program was done to encourage professional
societies to adopt the program. An urban poor community (Tatalon, Quezon
City) started with 53 children-contacts of adult TB cases at the local
health center. The Libis
Health Center in Quezon City followed with 156 children-contacts. A rural area project in Norala,
South Cotabato was conducted by the Community Pediatrics Society of the
Philippines, with 37 cases of TB disease.
Results: There was ease of case finding utilizing the
health center TB cases as starting points to trace contacts. High percentages of treatment
completion were noted (91.5% in Libis, 92% in Norala and 100% in
Tatalon). Treatment success
was high in all areas-88.1% (Norala), 89.6% (Libis), and 89.7% (Tatalon).
Conclusion: Collaborative projects
between government and non-government entities using DOTS is feasible and
effective. It is cost
effective, simplifies case finding and ensures higher percentages of
treatment completion and treatment success.