Accelerating the Response to Tuberculosis

The Philippines has the ninth-highest TB burden in the world and has seen the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB. The program supported by this grant aims to set up the operational structure for a public-private mix DOTS strategy; improve the quality of DOTS in the public sector through training of health staff in DOTS, training of laboratory staff, introduction of DOTS in government hospitals, and strengthening of TB diagnostic committees. The program also aims to create a social demand for DOTS services through social marketing and advocacy, community organizations, peer support group development and promoting innovative approaches.