99DOTS is a new model of delivering tuberculosis medications that utilizes basic mobile phones and augmented blister packaging to provide real-time adherence monitoring without the burden of direct observation. By far three pilots have been conducted, spanning over 40 patients in India. Results from the pilots are very encouraging. Over 90 of all doses were reported correctly using 99DOTS. All patients were able to use the system, even if they had not received any formal education. We believe that 99DOTS represents a promising approach for improving the delivery of tuberculosis medications. If a patient shows regular adherence under traditional DOTS, they could gradually transition to 99DOTS, improving convenience to patients and also allowing providers to focus their attention on less adherent patients.
