Bhutan has made history by becoming the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem. This achievement is a result of over a decade of sustained investment in a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. By prioritizing resource allocation, integrated surveillance, and strategic planning, Bhutan has been able to curb the disease at its source through dog vaccination and provide prompt post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent human deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Bhutan’s achievement after a rigorous assessment based on established criteria. The validation process involved a two-phase review, including a desk review and a field mission to Bhutan, where a team verified evidence on the ground through visits to health facilities, laboratory walk-throughs, and consultations with programme staff and stakeholders. Bhutan has maintained zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023, and the country will continue to sustain this achievement through continued access to post-exposure prophylaxis, mass dog vaccination, and strengthened surveillance.
Bhutan’s success is a testament to the power of a One Health approach and the importance of collaboration between health workers, veterinarians, and communities. The country’s achievement offers an important example for other countries in the region and contributes to the global goal of ending human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030. The WHO has praised Bhutan’s commitment to public health and its dedication to sustaining and strengthening the systems that have delivered this achievement, and the organization remains committed to supporting the country in its efforts to maintain this progress.