The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-mediated rabies as a public health problem, making it the first country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this. Bhutan has invested more than a decade in a “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. The country has maintained zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023.
The validation was based on a rigorous assessment, including a field mission from August 17 to 22, 2026. Bhutan will continue to maintain systems to prevent re-emergence, including free access to PEP (Percutaneous Electrolysis) and mass vaccination of dogs.
