The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, making the country the first in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
Rabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms develop, but deaths can be prevented through timely vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Bhutan’s progress has been supported by sustained dog vaccination, population management, community awareness and access to PEP.
“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.
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A key factor behind the achievement has been Bhutan’s One Health approach, which brings together human health, veterinary services and communities. Health and animal authorities work jointly on surveillance, investigations and responses when suspected rabies exposures are reported.
WHO’s validation followed a two-stage assessment, including a review of national evidence and a field mission conducted from 17 to 22 August 2026. Reviewers examined healthcare facilities, laboratories, programme records and surveillance systems, while also visiting the Bhutan–India border and meeting health and veterinary stakeholders.
“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.”
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Bhutan has recorded no human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023. The country plans to maintain free access to PEP across all 20 districts, continue mass dog vaccination and strengthen cross-border surveillance and cooperation.
The achievement was led by Bhutan’s Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Livestock, with support from local communities, De-suung volunteers, WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and funding partners.
