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WHO Confirms Bhutan First South-East Asian Rabies-Free Nation
Bhutan has been officially recognized for stopping dog-transmitted rabies from being a public health problem.
The World Health Organization checked Bhutan’s evidence before giving this validation.
Bhutan worked for about ten years using a One Health approach.
This means doctors, veterinarians and communities worked together because people, animals and the environment affect one another.
Dogs were vaccinated to reduce the spread of the virus.
People exposed to rabies could also receive prompt medical treatment.
A review team visited health facilities, laboratories and a border area to check the country’s systems.
Bhutan says it will continue these efforts to prevent rabies from returning.
WHO validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem.
Bhutan is the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve the milestone.
The country’s decade-long One Health approach linked human, animal and ecosystem health efforts.
A WHO-supported review assessed surveillance, laboratory systems, animal vaccination and post-exposure treatment from August 17 to 22.
Bhutan plans to maintain its rabies-control systems with government agencies, volunteers, communities and financial partners.
- Who
- Bhutan, validated by the World Health Organization with support from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
- What
- Elimination of dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem.
- Where
- Bhutan, the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to receive this validation.
- When
- The review mission took place from August 17 to 22; the WHO announcement was dated September 4, 2026.
- Why
- Because Bhutan provided evidence of sustained rabies control through surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, animal vaccination, post-exposure treatment and preparedness.
Key facts
- Milestone
- Bhutan became the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem.
- Approach
- Bhutan used a decade-long One Health approach integrating human, animal and ecosystem health efforts.
- Review period
- The WHO-supported two-phase review was conducted from August 17 to 22.
- Review activities
- Reviewers visited health facilities, laboratories and the Bhutan–India border area and examined records and information systems.
- Key measures
- The validation considered surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, animal vaccination, timely post-exposure prophylaxis and response preparedness.
- Support
- Bhutan received financial assistance from the Bhutan Health Trust Fund, the Pandemic Fund and other partners.
Quotes
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General of the World Health Organisation
“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.”
theprint.in
Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh
WHO representative to Bhutan
“Bhutan’s validation is built on years of investment in a One Health approach and in universal health coverage.”
theprint.in
Sources
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