AGP Executive Report

Rabies Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public-health problem, with no such deaths since June 2023—thanks to a One Health push of mass dog vaccination, surveillance, and fast access to post-bite treatment. Rabies Reminder: Experts stress the risk isn’t only bites; scratches and saliva exposure can still be dangerous, so people must not delay after any suspected exposure. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, about 100 households are switching from firewood to subsidised electric stoves, aiming to cut indoor smoke and ease pressure on forests. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Japan has handed Bhutan nearly Nu 300M in medical equipment for eastern district hospitals, including X-ray, ultrasound and infant incubators, with training for staff. Mental Health Focus: A report on suicide prevention highlights that many deaths and attempts involve young, working-age adults, with pressures like job and family stress playing a role. Physiotherapy Day: World Physiotherapy Day spotlights how physical activity and rehab support prevention and recovery for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Food Systems & Health: Bhutan hosted a Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, linking food security to climate shocks, values, and health impacts across food systems.

Rabies Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public-health problem, with no dog-mediated deaths since June 2023—thanks to a One Health push combining mass dog vaccination, surveillance, and fast post-bite treatment access. Public Health Reminder: Even after this win, experts stress rabies can spread via saliva through scratches or broken skin, so people must not delay after any bite or risky contact. Care & Rehab Focus: World Physiotherapy Day (Sept 8) highlighted how physiotherapy and physical activity can prevent and manage cardiovascular disease and stroke. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Japan handed over nearly Nu 300M in medical equipment to eastern Bhutan district hospitals, including X-ray, ultrasound and infant incubators, with training for staff. Mental Health & Suicide: A World Suicide Prevention Day feature notes suicide affects many young, working-age adults, with 105 deaths by suicide recorded last year. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, about 100 households received subsidised electric cooking stoves to cut firewood use and indoor air pollution. Healthcare Waste Watch: A new assessment flags rising healthcare waste generation and gaps in management, training and compliance. Food Systems Summit: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, linking food security to climate shocks, values, and human choices.

Rabies Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public-health problem, with no such deaths since June 2023—thanks to a One Health push linking human and veterinary services, mass dog vaccination, and fast access to post-exposure care. Rabies Reminder: Health experts stress that rabies risk isn’t only from bites; scratches and saliva contact can be dangerous, so people should seek PEP care the same day. Healthcare Upgrade (East Bhutan): Japan has handed over nearly Nu 300M in medical equipment to district hospitals and the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, including X-ray, ultrasound, and infant incubators, with staff training planned. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, about 100 households received subsidised electric cooking stoves to cut firewood use, indoor air pollution, and pressure on forests. Mental Health Focus: A report on suicide in Bhutan highlights that many deaths involve young, working-age adults, with pressures like job and family strain worsening hopelessness. Physiotherapy Day: World Physiotherapy Day spotlights physiotherapy and physical activity for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and stroke. Food & Wellness Policy: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, linking food security with wellbeing, values, and climate pressures. Health System Governance: BQPCA launched an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible and transparent. Youth Livelihoods: International Beauty Day in Thimphu showcased beauticians’ skills and framed beauty as a viable pathway for youth jobs.

Rabies Milestone: Bhutan became the first Southeast Asian country to be WHO-validated for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public-health problem, with no dog-mediated deaths since June 2023—thanks to a long-running One Health push of mass dog vaccination, surveillance, and fast access to post-exposure treatment. Rabies Reminder: Health experts stress that rabies risk isn’t only from bites; scratches and saliva exposure can be dangerous, so people should seek care immediately after any potential exposure. Health Equipment Boost: Japan handed over nearly Nu 300M in medical equipment to eastern Bhutan’s district hospitals and the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, including digital X-rays, ultrasound machines, and infant incubators. Physiotherapy Focus: World Physiotherapy Day highlighted how physiotherapy and physical activity can help prevent, manage, and rehabilitate cardiovascular disease and stroke. Clean Cooking Pilot: A pilot in Chhumey Gewog is distributing subsidised electric cooking stoves to cut firewood use, indoor air pollution, and pressure on forests. Healthcare Systems: BQPCA launched an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible and transparent. Food & Wellness: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, linking food security with wellbeing, culture, and climate pressures. Healthcare Waste Watch: A new assessment flags rising healthcare waste generation and management gaps, calling for stronger systems.

Rabies Milestone: Bhutan has been WHO-validated as the first Southeast Asian country to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with no dog-mediated deaths since June 2023—thanks to a long-running One Health push of mass dog vaccination, surveillance, and fast post-bite care. Prevention Reminder: Health experts stress that rabies can spread through scratches and saliva, so people should seek post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after any bite or scratch. Healthcare Upgrade: Japan has handed nearly Nu 300M in medical equipment to eastern Bhutan’s district hospitals, including digital X-rays, ultrasound machines and infant incubators, with training for staff to run and maintain devices. Rehab Focus: World Physiotherapy Day (Sept 8) highlights how physiotherapy and physical activity can help prevent, manage and rehabilitate cardiovascular disease and stroke. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, about 100 households received subsidised electric stoves to cut firewood use and indoor air pollution. Health System Watch: A new assessment flags rising healthcare waste in Bhutan and gaps in management, calling for stronger systems. Digital Services: BQPCA launched an integrated digital regulatory platform to make professional certification and qualification recognition faster and more transparent.

Rabies Milestone: Bhutan has been validated by WHO as the first country in Southeast Asia to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, after no dog-mediated rabies deaths since June 2023—an achievement credited to a One Health push linking human health, veterinary services, and community action. Post-Bite Safety: Experts reiterate that rabies can spread via scratches and saliva, so people should seek post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after any bite or scratch. Dog Control Drive: Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock launched the third phase of its Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme to sustain gains through humane dog management, vaccination, and surveillance. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, about 100 households are being supported to switch from firewood to subsidised electric cooking stoves, aiming to cut indoor air pollution and ease pressure on forests. Healthcare Systems: Bhutan’s BQPCA rolled out an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible and transparent. Food & Wellness: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, bringing global leaders together as food security pressures rise, with a focus on wellbeing-centered food system transformation. Physiotherapy Focus: World Physiotherapy Day highlighted how physiotherapy and physical activity can help prevent, manage, and rehabilitate cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Rabies Milestone: WHO validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with no human deaths since June 2023—thanks to a long-running One Health push that combined mass dog vaccination, dog population management, surveillance, and fast access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after bites. Next Steps in Rabies Control: The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock launched the third phase of the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme, aiming for continued sterilisation, microchipping, mass anti-rabies vaccination, stronger surveillance, and responsible pet ownership. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, about 100 remote households are being supported to switch from firewood to subsidised electric cooking stoves, targeting lower indoor air pollution and reduced pressure on forests. Healthcare System Watch: A new assessment flags rising healthcare waste generation in Bhutan, with management gaps highlighted—an issue that matters for infection control and safer facilities. Digital Health Regulation: BQPCA rolled out an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible and transparent, reducing repeated visits and manual steps. Food & Wellness Policy: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, bringing global partners to rethink food systems through values, culture, and wellbeing amid rising food security pressures. Climate Resilience Focus: Save the Children says it will invest more in climate-resilient development in Bhutan, including disaster risk reduction and early warning support to protect children. Language & Health Equity: Concerns are growing that English dominance is shrinking Dzongkha use in schools, potentially affecting cultural access and wellbeing for young learners.

Rabies Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with no human deaths since June 2023—credited to a decade of “One Health” work: mass dog vaccination and population management, strong bite surveillance, and fast access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Next Steps in Rabies Control: Bhutan’s Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme enters its third phase, aiming for humane stray dog sterilisation, microchipping, continued anti-rabies vaccination, and zero human rabies cases by 2030. Health Systems & Regulation: BQPCA launched an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible, transparent, and easier to track online. Healthcare Waste Watch: A new assessment flags rising healthcare waste in Bhutan (from 622.05 tonnes in 2020 to 700.15 tonnes in 2022) and points to management gaps, especially around infectious waste. Food & Wellness Policy: Bhutan hosted the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, linking food security with wellbeing, culture, and values—at a time of rising climate and food pressures.

Rabies Milestone: Bhutan has become the first Southeast Asian country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with no human deaths since June 2023—thanks to a One Health push that combined mass dog vaccination, dog population management, bite awareness, and fast post-bite care. Prevention Reminder: Experts stress that rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms start, so people must seek post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after any bite or scratch (wound washing, vaccine, and immunoglobulin when needed). Next Phase Rabies Work: Bhutan has launched the third phase of its Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme, aiming for continued sterilisation, microchipping, stronger surveillance, and zero human rabies cases by 2030. Healthcare Systems: A 2024 UNDP-backed assessment says Bhutan’s healthcare waste rose to about 700.15 tonnes in 2022, with infectious waste making up 54%, and flags management gaps. Digital Health Governance: BQPCA rolled out an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible and transparent online. Language & Health Culture: Concerns are growing over declining Dzongkha use as English dominates schooling, potentially affecting how health and wellness messages reach communities.

Rabies Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan as the first Southeast Asian country to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, with no human deaths since June 2023—thanks to a long-running One Health push linking health workers, veterinarians, and communities. Prevention Reminder: Experts stress the key takeaway for residents and visitors: after any dog bite or scratch, don’t wait—seek post-exposure care the same day for wound washing, vaccines, and immunoglobulin when needed. Next Rabies Phase: The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock has launched the third phase of the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme, aiming for continued mass vaccination, stronger surveillance, and humane dog population management. Health System Watch: A 2024 UNDP-backed assessment reports healthcare waste generation rose to about 700.15 tonnes in 2022, flagging gaps in management and compliance. Digital Regulation: BQPCA rolled out an integrated digital regulatory system to make professional certification and qualification recognition more accessible, transparent, and connected across agencies. Language & Health Culture: A separate report warns English dominance in schools is shrinking Dzongkha use, limiting exposure mainly to Dzongkha classes. Food Systems & Wellbeing: Bhutan hosted the Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, exploring how GNH values can shape healthier, more resilient food systems amid climate shocks.

Rabies Milestone for Bhutan: WHO validated Bhutan as the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023, crediting a long-running One Health push of dog vaccination, sterilisation, surveillance, and bite awareness. Next Phase of Rabies Control: Bhutan also launched NADPM & RCP 3.0, aiming to keep 100% sterilisation of free-roaming dogs, expand microchipping, continue mass anti-rabies vaccination, strengthen surveillance, and reach zero human rabies cases by 2030. Regional ENT Care in Focus: Colombo hosted the 14th SAARC ENT Congress, bringing together ENT specialists from across South Asia (including Bhutan) to push more equitable access to ear, nose, throat and head-and-neck care. Nepal Floods and Health Risks: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi/Trishuli disaster response continued into the 11th day, with thousands affected and ongoing search and rescue, while drones are being used to deliver essentials and even airlift bodies from hard-to-reach areas. Cancer Referral Costs: Bhutan’s overseas treatment referrals remain heavily driven by cancer, with Nu 730M spent abroad in 2024–2025 and calls for stronger in-country follow-up and documentation. Climate and Health Link: A South Asia dialogue in Thimphu urged borderless, practical climate action—highlighting how heat, erratic rainfall, and disasters are already hitting agriculture, livelihoods, and public health.

Rabies Milestone (Bhutan): WHO has validated Bhutan as the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023, crediting a long-running One Health push that combines dog vaccination, sterilisation, microchipping, surveillance, and community action. Rabies Programme Update (Bhutan): Bhutan has launched NADPM & RCP 3.0 in Thimphu, aiming to keep 100% sterilisation of free-roaming dogs, expand vaccination and surveillance, and reach zero human rabies cases by 2030. Health System Costs (Bhutan): A new assessment flags that cancer remains the top reason Bhutanese patients are referred abroad, with Nu 730M spent on overseas treatment in 2024–2025 and calls for better in-country documentation and follow-up. Regional Health Access (South Asia): Colombo hosted the 14th SAARC ENT Congress, spotlighting the need for more equitable ear, nose, throat and head-and-neck care across the region. Disaster Health Context (Nepal): Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood response continues amid major damage and ongoing tunnel rescues, underscoring urgent needs for health services and disaster preparedness in Himalayan communities.

Rabies Milestone: WHO has validated Bhutan as the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023—thanks to a long-running One Health push linking health workers, veterinarians, and communities. Programme Continuity: Bhutan is now rolling out NADPM & RCP 3.0 (to June next year), aiming to keep rabies-free status by maintaining 100% sterilisation of free-roaming dogs, scaling mass anti-rabies vaccination, strengthening surveillance, and promoting responsible pet ownership. Regional Health Lens: The same One Health strategy is highlighted as key because rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms, but preventable through dog vaccination and timely post-exposure care. Disaster Context: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood response continues with thousands affected and ongoing search and rescue, underscoring wider climate-linked health risks across the Himalayas.

Rabies Milestone: WHO validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023—credited to a long-running One Health push uniting health, veterinary services, local governments and De-suung volunteers. Healthcare Costs: A review of ex-country referrals found Nu 730M spent on overseas treatment in 2024-2025, with cancer the biggest driver and calls for stronger in-country services plus better documentation and follow-up. Disaster & Health Risk: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood response continues on the 10th day, with the death toll reported at 1,294 and thousands still missing; foreign missions and partners are coordinating aid while tunnel rescues and drone-supported operations continue. Conscious Food Systems: Bhutan hosted the Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, drawing leaders including Mongolia’s State Secretary, with a focus on culture, values and nature-based solutions for healthier, more resilient food systems. Wellness Tourism: Bhutan’s “quietest country” tourism buzz and regional wellbeing travel trends also surfaced, alongside a Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary mention in a global wellbeing hotel collection.

Rabies Milestone (Bhutan): WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023—credited to a One Health approach linking health workers, veterinarians, and communities. Healthcare Access (Bhutan): A review found Nu 730M spent on overseas treatment in 2024–2025, with cancer the top reason for referrals, alongside gaps in documentation and follow-up that point to stronger in-country services. Disaster Health & Response (Nepal): On the 10th day of the Bhotekoshi flood, Nepal continues search and rescue as thousands remain missing; drones are being used to reach cut-off areas and even airlift bodies. Climate Risk (Himalayas): Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged diplomats to see the Bhotekoshi disaster as a warning about rising Himalayan climate risks and the need for early warning and resilient reconstruction. Violence & Health (Justice): A court in Thembisa sentenced Bhutan Sizwe Mlotshwa to life imprisonment for months of rape and assault after locking his partner in a room.

Overseas care costs: Bhutan spent Nu 730M on overseas treatment in 2024–2025, with cancer the biggest driver of referrals and documentation/follow-up gaps flagged—highlighting the need to strengthen specialised care at home. Primary care access: Eleven new Mobile Medical Units were inaugurated (Nu 248M, ADB support) to bring doctor-led outreach, lab services and medicines to remote communities, with plans to expand to 29 units. Malaria prevention push: Bhutan reported zero indigenous malaria cases since 2022 and is moving toward WHO malaria-free certification, while stressing vigilance against imported cases from the southern border. Disaster health context (regional): Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash flood was framed as a “Himalayan tsunami” and a climate-risk warning; in parallel, drones are being used in Nepal for medical delivery and even airlifting bodies—underscoring how fast health systems must adapt during extreme events. Conscious food systems: Bhutan’s PM called for a rethink of global food systems at the Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, linking meals to health, livelihoods and climate.