The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Bhutan's elimination of dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem in the country. Bhutan is the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this success.
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, rabies deaths are preventable. On one hand, vaccinating dogs curbs the disease at its source; on the other, prompt use of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) stops the virus from reaching the central nervous system after a bite. PEP consists of thorough wound washing, administration of a course of human rabies vaccine and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) injection.
"I congratulate Bhutan on this historic achievement, which is another step towards our goal to end human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Bhutan's success shows that the health of humans, animals and the environment we share is inextricably linked. By uniting health workers, veterinarians, and communities, Bhutan has shown that the fight against rabies is won not in silos, but through solidarity across all sectors."
One Health at the core of Bhutan's success
Bhutan's achievement is a result of more than a decade of sustained investment in a One Health approach, which recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems is closely interlinked. Changes in these relationships can increase the risk of diseases emerging and spreading among both humans and animals. One Health promotes the optimization of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health through coordinated and integrated actions across sectors.
Through this approach, Bhutan has prioritized resource allocation, integrated surveillance, and strategic planning. The approach has proven effective in addressing public health challenges such as rabies. When a suspected rabies case is reported, animal and human health authorities collaborate to identify potential exposures and, when necessary, conduct joint field investigations under the One Health framework.
"Bhutan has shown that eliminating dog-mediated human rabies is possible when strong national leadership, a mature One Health approach and communities come together around a shared goal. The dedication of health workers, veterinary professionals and De-suung volunteers known as 'Guardians of Peace' helped take dog vaccination, population management and community awareness to every part of the country. Bhutan's achievement offers an important example for other countries in the Region," said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.
WHO's validation follows a rigorous assessment based on established WHO criteria. The regional Dossier Review Group, convened by WHO with support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), conducted a two-phase review consisting of a desk review of the dossier and a field mission to Bhutan from 17 to 22 August 2026. During the mission, the review team verified evidence on the ground through visits to national, regional and sub-district health facilities, laboratory walk-throughs, review of programme records and information systems, a visit to the Bhutan–India border area, and consultation with programme staff and multisectoral stakeholders. Bhutan has maintained zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023.
"This validation is a proud and historic moment for Bhutan made possible through the visionary leadership of His Majesty The King, who graciously initiated the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme. This achievement is also a testament to the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, together with our partners, local governments and communities, united through a One Health approach. Building upon this Royal initiative, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock together with our partners remain committed to sustaining this achievement through continued access to PEP, mass dog vaccination, dog population management, community engagement and strengthened surveillance," said the Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan.
Bhutan will continue to maintain the systems that underpin this achievement. Universal, free access to PEP will be sustained across all 20 Dzongkhags (districts). Mass dog vaccination, dog population management, and integrated human–animal surveillance will continue under the next phase of the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme (NADPM&RCP) and through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on One Health (IMCOH). Cross-border coordination with adjacent Indian states will be further strengthened to safeguard the achievement.
"Bhutan's validation is built on years of investment in a One Health approach and in universal health coverage," said Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, WHO Representative to Bhutan. "WHO has been privileged to walk alongside the Ministry of Health and the people of Bhutan on this journey, and remains committed to supporting the country in sustaining and strengthening the systems that have delivered this achievement."
Bhutan's achievement was led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, delivered in partnership with the De-suung national volunteer service and local communities across the country. Technical support has been provided by WHO and WOAH, while financing was provided through the Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF) and partners, including the Pandemic Fund.
