DOTS, or Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course, is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment and control of tuberculosis (TB). It emphasizes the need for health workers or trained volunteers to directly observe patients as they take their medication, ensuring adherence to the treatment regimen. This approach is crucial because TB treatment requires a long-term commitment, often spanning six months or more. Without proper supervision, patients may fail to complete the course, leading to drug resistance and further spread of the disease.

The DOTS strategy is built on five essential components: political and financial commitment, case detection through quality-assured bacteriology, standardized treatment with supervision and patient support, an effective drug supply and management system, and a monitoring and evaluation system. By ensuring that patients adhere to their treatment plans, DOTS reduces the risk of drug-resistant TB strains, improves treatment success rates, and ultimately helps in controlling and reducing TB incidence globally. This comprehensive approach has been widely implemented and has significantly contributed to TB control efforts in various countries.