On 4 September, the World Health Organization recognised Bhutan’s achievement: dog-mediated human rabies has been eliminated as a public health problem. The country has recorded no human deaths from this form of rabies since June 2023. It is the first in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to receive this validation. [1]

The milestone follows years of cooperation between doctors, veterinarians, volunteers and communities: vaccinating dogs, sharing surveillance and providing treatment after exposure. Verification included a field mission from 17 to 22 August, with checks on health facilities, laboratories and records. [1]

The work continues: Bhutan will keep post-exposure prophylaxis free in all twenty districts and continue vaccination and monitoring. The recognition documents a specific public health achievement; maintaining it depends on keeping these services available. [1]