Bhutan just ended human rabies — the first country in its region to do it

Bhutan's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rinzin Pem, can say something few in her field can: no one in her country has died of dog-transmitted rabies since 2023. In September 2026 the World Health Organization validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-mediated human rabies — the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region and the first outside the Americas to achieve it. Rabies, spread by dogs in 99% of human cases, is one of the world's deadliest neglected diseases — yet entirely preventable. Bhutan got there through a decade of mass dog vaccination (coverage above 90%), sterilization of 100% of free-roaming dogs, free post-exposure treatment for everyone, and tight surveillance — work launched as a national program under the King's leadership. On September 5, Bhutan launched the third phase to keep the status. "Bhutan will remain steadfast in safeguarding these gains through sustained vigilance, shared responsibility and coordinated action," said Pem.