Interdisciplinary Seminar:
Education for Health
Convener: Eliane Didier, France

Tuberculosis Control Core Curriculum for Philippine Medical Technology Schools Using Directly Observed Treatment Strategy
Fe Nazareno-Martinez, International Member, The Philippines

The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course strategy to control tuberculosis (TB) in 1991. The strategy includes five elements:

• Political commitment
• Case detection by Sputum Smear Microscopy among symptomatic patients
• Standardized treatment regimen of six to eight months for at least all confirmed sputum smear positive cases
• Regular, uninterrupted supply of all anti-TB drugs.
• Standardized recording and reporting system

Despite various efforts to control TB, it remains one of the top10 causes of mortality and morbidity in the Philippines. The recommendation of WHO – through its global tuberculosis program – that partnerships with the academy be developed is a most welcome step to ensure that relevant training materials on TB be included in the curricula of Medical Technology and other health professions. The Philippine TB initiatives for the private sector commissioned research on the syllabi integration of DOTS-strategy to control TB for Health Sciences.

The Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology/Public Health recognizes the relevance of integrating TB control through DOTS strategy in the medical technology curriculum. The PHILTIPS project has a general objective to provide a sustainable framework for the development and enhancement of TB teaching and learning activities in allied health schools of Medical Technology (MT), Nursing, and Pharmacy. As a result, four modules for MT Curriculum were prepared by the member schools. This author feels that not only the three health sciences should integrate TB-DOTS in their curricula but also all the health sciences and other non-health sciences.

Dr Fe Martinez is Assistant Director of the Graduate School at the University of Perpetual Help, Laguna, and the Dean of the College of Medical Technology. She holds a Master of Arts in Science Education and a PhD in Educational Management. In 2006 the Philippine Association of University Women honoured her as Woman Professional for Science and Technology.