Bhutan is the primary nation in Southeast Asia to be validated by the World Well being Group (WHO) for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies.
Rabies is a viral illness that’s nearly at all times deadly as soon as scientific signs seem. Nonetheless, rabies deaths are preventable. Vaccinating canines curbs the illness at its supply; and immediate use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) stops the virus from reaching the central nervous system after a chunk, the WHO identified. PEP entails thorough wound washing, administration of a course of human rabies vaccine and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) injection.
The WHO’s aim is to finish human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030, mentioned Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-Common, including that Bhutan’s success confirmed that the well being of people, animals and the setting was “inextricably” linked. “By uniting well being staff, veterinarians, and communities, Bhutan has proven that the struggle towards rabies is received not in silos, however by way of solidarity throughout all sectors,” he mentioned.
Bhutan’s achievement comes from greater than a decade of sustained funding in a One Well being strategy, which recognises that the well being of people, animals, and ecosystems is intently interlinked. Modifications in these relationships can improve the chance of ailments rising and spreading amongst each people and animals.
Revealed on September 7, 2026
