RNTBCP Nagaland launches 99 DOTS and IPT
Kohima, December 12 (MExN): The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTBCP) Nagaland has become one of the states in India to launch the 99 DOTS (Daily Anti TB Treatment) for TB and HIV co-infected patients and IPT (Isoniazid Preventative Therapy) for PLHIV on December 9 at NHAK Conference hall.
The State TB Officer, Dr. KT Lotha illustrated on the implementation of 99 DOTS and IPT (Isoniazid Preventive Therapy). He emphasized that for the successful running of these two initiatives a closer functioning between the RNTCP and NSACS becomes crucial. Since 2008, coordination between these two programmes has started, and is working in close co-ordination for TB and HIV.
Dr. Asunu Thong, District TB Officer Kohima who chaired the programme gave a brief introduction about this significant initiative.
Dr. L Watikala Ao, Principal Director, DHFW, launched the 99 DOTS and IPT by giving medicines on the spot to two patients ie, Co-infected and PLHIV patient.
In his closing remark Dr. M Kire, Project Director, NSACS stressed that 25% HIV related death are of TB and that 99 DOTS will very much benefit the PLHIV Patients. He also added that from now on all the Staff will have to upscale their activities. He also lamented on the fact that HIV patients die of ignorance. It is expected that Referral Linkages will be increased and no one should be left out, informed a press release issued by State TB Officer, Dr. KT Lotha.
Further, it is also an appeal on behalf of both the RNTCP and NSACS programme to all the PLHIV and TB Patients to come forward and avail this facility. It may be mentioned here that at the National level, Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) was launched on December 1.
About 99 DOTS and IPT
99 DOTS is a technology which uses mobile phone. It is a pharmaco-economic approach for monitoring and improving adherence to TB medication. 99 DOTS introduces anti-TB blister pack wrapped in a custom envelop, which includes hidden phone numbers that are visible only when doses are dispensed.
This is a novel method and almost full proof. After taking daily medication, patients make a free call to the popped up phone number which is hidden till then, yielding high confidence that the dose was “in-hand” and has been taken. As a very high success rate (of about 99%) is expected by this remote in –built techno-supervision, it is termed as 99 DOTS.
Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) is the administration of INH to individuals with latent TB infection in order to prevent progression to active TB Disease in PLHIVs. IPT is found to be effective in reducing the incidence of TB and death in HIV-infected patients.
Source: The Morning Express
