In order to help the public gain a better understanding of tuberculosis (TB) and learn how to prevent this deadly infectious disease, as well as to strengthen the effectiveness of Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control’s (Taiwan CDC) Reduction of Tuberculosis by Half in Ten Years plan, Taiwan CDC is organizing a Stop TB Traveling Fair, which is scheduled to be on display at the B1 exhibition plaza in Zuo-Ying MRT in Kaohsiung City from May 23 through 29, 2008.

According to data released by the Taiwan CDC, since implementation of the DOTS program, the incidence of TB cases in Kaohsiung City has steadily decreased, demonstrating that Kaohsiung City’s consistent support for the central government’s Half In Ten Years plan has paid dividends.In addition, it also shows that TB is not something to be afraid of.By complying with the prescribed drug schedule, TB patients can make a full recovery.Kaohsiung City Mayor Chief-of-Staff, Jian-Shen Hao, was on hand at the opening ceremony to cheer the efforts contributed by all of those who work to prevent this disease and to commend some of Kaohsiung City’s outstanding DOTS workers.

Dai-chiao Lin, one of Taiwan’s top tennis players, was on hand to talk about his own bout with TB.His message for TB patients was to stay positive, follow doctor’s orders, and adhere to prescription schedule, and they too can make a full recovery from TB.After six-months of treatment, Mr. Lin has a new lease on life.He is already back on the courts, playing tennis, and is looking forward to the day when he can represent Taiwan in international tennis events.Lin commented on the recent case of a TB patient surnamed Li that absconded from a local hospital, saying that although contracting TB can be an unsettling experience, patients should not be discouraged—TB can be cured.

To further strengthen its TB prevention efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2006, announced its Stop TB strategy, which seeks, among other things, to establish a global TB-prevention network and reduce, by 2015, the prevalence of and death due to TB by 50% relative to 1990.On World TB Day, Taiwan CDC and Global Stop TB Partnership issued the “I am Stopping TB.” pronouncement, which called on people not to fear TB and to seek early diagnosis when TB symptoms appear and to treat TB early to prevent further transmission. The initial focus of the Half in Ten Years plan’s prevention efforts is on expanding and enhancing the DOTS program to improve drug compliance among TB patients and to prevent further spread of the deadly disease.In the DOTS program, DOTS workers are responsible for ensuring that TB patients take appropriate dosages of anti-TB medicines at the appropriate times, which have proven to be effective at increasing TB cure rates.

Present at the Kaohsiung event was one of the city’s first DOTS workers, Mr. Nai-wen Wang. After retiring from the private sector, Mr. Wang heard about the shortage of DOTS workers and offered his time as a volunteer.He soon found himself handling 60 to 70 TB cases.Every day he would devote all of his energy to traveling on the highways and back alleys on his motor-bike to deliver medicines to his patients, which included some homeless and mentally ill patients.Mr. Wang said that his concern for his fellow citizens was the driving force behind his dedication to the DOTS program.

When visiting some unsociable or stubborn patients, DOTS workers sometimes encounter difficult predicaments where they find themselves acting like police to ensure that patients take their medicine.Sometimes, they are on the receiving end of verbal abuse—especially from elderly patients living alone.Taking on such cases is a test of DOTS workers’patience and a testament to their dedication.For instance, Ms. Su-qing Ou smothers these types of TB patients with kindness.When Ms. Ou sets out on her DOTS round, she does so with lunchboxes in tow searching for her transient TB patients to ensure that all of them receive the proper medication.

Kaohsiung City Mayor Chief-of-Staff, Jian-Shen Hao had high praise for all DOTS volunteers, noting that they bear many hardships themselves without any complaints while performing their important and life-saving duties.Their dedication, he said, is an important factor in the reduced TB incidence rate in Kaohsiung City, and they have all played a significant role in making the city a healthier and happier place.

The Stop TB Traveling Fair has six main exhibits:The TB Prevention Maze, The Magic Stop TB Carousel, The TB Cases Free-Fall, The DOTS Express Train, The Stop TB International Cooperation Balloon, and The TB Prevention Video Experience.Through these entertaining exhibits, people can learn all the information they need to know about TB, including the history and current status of the Half in Ten Years program in Taiwan and around the world.People of all ages are invited to attend the Stop TB Traveling Fair and learn more about how you can help stop TB.

In the near future, the Stop TB Traveling Fair will be moved to Hualien County, Chiayi City and Taoyuan County.