The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public-health problem, making it the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
WHO said Bhutan has recorded zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023. The achievement follows more than a decade of investment in dog vaccination, population management, surveillance, community awareness and free access to post-exposure treatment.
WHO said the validation was based on a rigorous review, including a field mission conducted in August 2026. Bhutan will continue mass dog vaccination, surveillance and access to post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the disease from returning.
WHO described the achievement as an example of the One Health approach, bringing together human health, veterinary services and communities.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available information and official WHO/UN sources. HRNW is an independent news platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United Nations or WHO.
