Bhutan achieves what few countries have: WHO validates elimination of dog-transmitted Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, deaths from rabies are preventable.

Vaccinating dogs helps control the disease at its source, while prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system following a bite.

PEP includes thorough wound washing, a course of human rabies vaccine and, when indicated, an injection of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).

“I congratulate Bhutan on this historic achievement, which is another step towards our goal to end human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“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,” he added.

One Health approach at the core of Bhutan’s success

Bhutan’s achievement is the result of more than a decade of sustained investment in a One Health approach, which recognises the close links between the health of humans, animals and ecosystems.

Changes in these relationships can increase the risk of diseases emerging and spreading among both humans and animals.

The One Health approach promotes coordinated and integrated action across sectors to optimise the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems.

Through this approach, Bhutan has prioritised resource allocation, integrated surveillance and strategic planning. The model has proved effective in addressing public health challenges such as rabies.

When a suspected rabies case is reported, human and animal health authorities work together to identify potential exposures and, where necessary, conduct joint field investigations under the One Health framework.

“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,” said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.

“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,” he added.

WHO’s validation followed a rigorous assessment based on established criteria. The regional Dossier Review Group, convened by WHO with support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), conducted a two-phase review comprising a desk assessment of Bhutan’s dossier and a field mission to the country from August 17 to 22, 2026.

During the mission, the review team verified evidence on the ground through visits to national, regional and sub-district health facilities, laboratory walk-throughs, reviews of programme records and information systems, a visit to the Bhutan-India border area, and consultations with programme staff and multisectoral stakeholders.

Bhutan has reported zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023.

“This validation is a proud and historic moment for Bhutan made possible through the visionary leadership of His Majesty The King, who graciously initiated the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme,” the Bhutanese Health Minister said.

“This achievement is also a testament to the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, together with our partners, local governments and communities, united through a One Health approach,” the minister added.

“Building upon this Royal initiative, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, together with our partners, remain committed to sustaining this achievement through continued access to PEP, mass dog vaccination, dog population management, community engagement and strengthened surveillance,” the minister said.

Bhutan will continue to maintain the systems underpinning the achievement. Universal, free access to PEP will be sustained across all 20 Dzongkhags, or districts.

Mass dog vaccination, dog population management and integrated human-animal surveillance will continue under the next phase of the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme (NADPM&RCP) and through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on One Health (IMCOH).

Cross-border coordination with neighbouring Indian states will also be strengthened to safeguard the achievement.

“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,” she added.

Bhutan’s achievement was led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and implemented in partnership with the De-suung national volunteer service and local communities across the country.

WHO and WOAH provided technical support, while financing came through the Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF) and partners, including the Pandemic Fund.Bhutan's achievement was led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, delivered in partnership with the De-suung national volunteer service and local communities across the country. Technical support has been provided by WHO and WOAH, while financing was provided through the Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF) and partners, including the Pandemic Fund.