More than two million people die annually from tuberculosis (TB), a disease that can be cured for under $10 using directly observed treatment (DOTS). TB is hardly news: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes TB) can be found in fossils, and one-third of the world's population is infected with TB. Surrounded by an unusual waxy coating, the bacterium can survive in the body for years in a latent state, waiting for the immune system to weaken — then it strikes, causing death if left untreated. TB is highly contagious: when a person with active TB sneezes or coughs or talks or spits, the bacteria can be transmitted through the air to infect anyone inhaling nearby.

What is news: the HIV epidemic has resulted in a global explosion of active TB cases. TB is the single largest killer of people with HIV. With their compromised immune systems inviting TB to shift from latent to active, people living with HIV have a 50-70% lifetime chance of developing active TB.

DOTS is recommended by WHO as the most effective strategy for combating TB, and has gained significant international acceptance and practice. The DOTS strategy is:

•	political commitment for sustainability
•	simplified diagnosis by smear microscopy
•	standardized six-month treatment regimen, in which the treatment is directly observed for at least the first two months
•	uninterrupted supply of appropriate and affordable drugs, and
•	monitoring of outcomes for every patient through a systematic and uniform reporting system.

DOTS has proven highly effective in curing TB, preventing the emergence of drug resistant TB, and preventing new TB infections. Successful treatment rates of 85-95% are possible through effective DOTS programs, regardless of HIV status. A full course of drugs can cost as little as $10 per patient. TB control is among the most cost-effective public health interventions, an estimated $5-7 per DALY saved.

22 countries account for 80% of the world's TB cases Myanmar is among them.

Improving the private sector's ability to manage TB effectively, PSI/Myanmar's integrated approach includes training Sun Quality Health franchise members in TB diagnosis and treatment; training and accrediting labs; branding DOTS services, drugs and communications; and motivating those at risk to get tested and complete treatment. Treatment completion is essential to avoid transmission, multi-drug resistant TB, and death.

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Based on formative research, the DOTS package conveys accessible, quality TB drugs. PSI Myanmar developed this brand for all TB communications and certified Sun Quality Health service providers. Six branded patient kits cover the intensive and continuation phases of each of the three categories of treatment.