Latest news in Bhutan? September 12th, 2026

Major news and developments in Bhutan around September 12, 2026:

• WHO Validation for Rabies Elimination: The World Health Organization validated Bhutan as the second country globally (after Mexico) and the first in the South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health issue. The milestone follows sustained nationwide dog vaccination, animal birth control initiatives, and universal access to free post-exposure prophylaxis. Asia News Network+ 1
• Disaster Preparedness & Climate Action: Bhutan conducted targeted disaster readiness simulations, including a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) evacuation drill around Punakha Dzong, to test early-warning infrastructure and local response coordination against climate-induced glacial risks. South Asian Herald
• Mental Health Initiatives: Marking World Suicide Prevention Day, Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat announced expanded mental health programs, incorporating maternal mental health screenings into routine healthcare, resilience modules into schools, and enhanced community-level support networks across all dzongkhags.
• Sustainable Food Systems Summit Outcomes: Following the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro, bilateral discussions advanced with international partners, including Sri Lanka, focusing on cooperation in education, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. Daily News