Bhutan has become the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to receive WHO validation for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem. The milestone follows more than a decade of coordinated efforts spanning human health, veterinary services, surveillance, dog vaccination and community engagement. The country has reported no human deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023. WHO validation requires at least two years without human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies, along with evidence that a country can detect and respond to potential reintroduction.

Bhutan underwent an independent assessment that included a review of national documentation and a field mission conducted in August 2026. The assessment examined surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, program records and health information systems. Reviewers also visited health facilities at…