What is the function of Directly Observed Therapy (DOTS) in TB control?

• A. Provides vaccines against TB.
• B. Ensures adherence and completion of TB treatment by supervising doses.
• C. Isolates patients to prevent transmission.
• D. Shortens the duration of therapy by increasing drug potency.

Answer: (B)

Directly observed therapy ensures adherence by having a health worker or trained supervisor watch the patient take each TB dose and confirm the full course is completed. This matters because TB treatment is long and complex; missing doses can lead to treatment failure, relapse, and the emergence of drug resistance. By supervising dosing, DOTS helps maintain effective drug levels, reduces defaults, and allows timely management of side effects and supply issues, which together improve cure rates and lower transmission. It’s not about vaccines, isolation, or making drugs stronger to shorten therapy—the key benefit is ensuring patients finish the prescribed regimen reliably.