Bhutan Validated as First Rabies-Free Nation in South-East Asia

The World Health Organization has officially validated Bhutan as the first country in South-East Asia to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem.

The achievement follows a decade-long 'One Health' initiative that vaccinated over 95% of the country's stray dog population and improved post-exposure treatment access.

Health experts are now urging neighboring nations to adopt similar protocols, emphasizing that immediate medical intervention remains critical for anyone bitten by an animal.