Public-private mix for DOTS : practical tools to help implementation

Overview

WHO began exploring private sector involvement in TB control by first undertaking a global assessment of the prevailing situation2 . A review of 23 countries across six WHO regions showed that most NTPs do not have an explicit strategy to involve PPs in TB control. However, the assessment revealed a variety of local initiatives attempting to explore effective ways of achieving a public–private mix for TB control.6 Following the global assessment, WHO helped to establish and document public– private mix initiatives for DOTS implementation (PPM-DOTS) in a variety of country settings. These projects used diverse approaches to successfully involve PPs in DOTS implementation. An important feature common to all sites was the use of a few simple practical tools – agreements, referral forms and reports – to help initiate, implement and evaluate collaboration between the NTP and PPs

Building on these field experiences, this document presents a tools package for PPM-DOTS. Its aim is to help NTP managers begin involving PPs in DOTS implementation and to sustain collaboration. However, the utility of any tools package designed to help implement PPM-DOTS can only be secondary to the genuine willingness and preparedness of NTPs to work with the private sector. Although the decision to involve PPs in DOTS implementation rests with the NTP, private provider involvement in any capacity is essential if NTPs hope to control TB and eventually eliminate it as a public health problem.