World TB Day 2003

March 5, 2003
In 1993, tuberculosis was declared a global emergency by the WHO. Since then, 10 million patients have been treated by the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course) strategy. "DOTS cured me, it can cure you too!" is the theme for this year's World TB Day with particular emphasis on patients. The objectives of World TB Day 2003 are: - to educate the general public on the symptoms and treatment of TB - to encourage people to seek testing at a DOTS clinic if they think they might have TB symptoms - to persuade people to comply fully with the DOTS treatment strategy. Momentum is building up and many countries around the world have very packed agendas for World TB Day 2003. For more information visit http://www.iuatld.org or http://www.stoptb.org