DOTS IMPLEMENTATION IN IRAQ: 5 YEAR EVALUATION & EXPECTED OUTCOME IN 2010

DOTS strategy for Tuberculosis control had been recommended by WHO and plan designed to achieve the targets (detection 70% of new smear positive PTB cases and cure 85% of those detected) by year 2005. DOTS adoption in Iraq, with 100% population coverage (except 3 Northern Governorates), started in October 2000 after its implementation as pilot project in Al-Saader city with declaration of its success by WHO expert (Fig-1). According to the implementation plan, District TB Coordinator (DTC) units had been established throughout the country which is responsible to monitor patient treatment in Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC). Ministry of Health had identified tuberculosis as a health priority and Deputy of Health Minister chairs the higher TB Supervisory committee in 2004 to rehabilitate and activate the progress of tuberculosis control in the country. National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) promoted by MOH and WHO is responsible for drug procurement, distribution of national TB guideline, training of tuberculosis managers and staff, improving the quality of smear microscopy, collaboration with other health sectors and NGOs in addition to assessment and evaluation of the programme progress.