AGP Executive Report

Generational Health in Bhutan: Druk Holding & Investments has partnered with the US-based Tower Council Foundation to build a “generational health” ecosystem spanning research, clinical practice, data and innovation—aiming to prevent illness across a lifetime (regenerative medicine, healthy ageing, diagnostics, women’s and mental health). Rabies milestone: Bhutan has been validated by WHO as eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero deaths from dog-mediated rabies since June 2023—reinforcing the country’s One Health approach and nationwide dog population and rabies control efforts. Primary healthcare shift: Bhutan is rethinking primary healthcare beyond just physical access to facilities, focusing on how care is delivered and experienced. Cholera in children: WHO reports Bangladesh had 22,709 cholera cases in 2025, with over half among children under five—highlighting ongoing vulnerability linked to water and sanitation. Heart health reminders: WHO surveillance shows H1N1 dominates flu strains in India and Bhutan; experts also stress screening and early action for cardiovascular disease risks, especially in women. Policy and rights: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered exit permits for children of Bhutanese refugees to reunite with parents in the US.

Generational Health Partnership: TOWER Council Foundation and Bhutan’s Druk Holding & Investments (DHI) announced a collaboration to build Bhutan’s “Generational Health” ecosystem—linking research, clinical practice, data and innovation to support long-term health and development, including women’s and mental health, advanced diagnostics and regenerative medicine. Primary Healthcare Focus: Bhutan is rethinking primary healthcare beyond just getting people to facilities, with the National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang discussing a roadmap toward universal health coverage—health governance, local government and communities, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine and sustainable financing. Rabies Milestone: Bhutan received WHO validation for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero deaths since June 2023, credited to a nationwide “One Health” approach and community participation. Flu Surveillance: WHO reports H1N1 as the dominant flu strain in India and notes it accounts for most influenza-positive samples in Bhutan as well, urging vaccination, respiratory hygiene and early care for high-risk groups. Cholera Risk Watch: WHO’s cholera report shows Bangladesh among the most affected in 2025, with over 22,000 cases and more than half in children under five—highlighting ongoing waterborne disease vulnerability in the region. Energy Tech for Health: At DrukSmart Talks 2026, experts discussed using industrial AI and predictive intelligence to shift Bhutan’s hydropower maintenance from reactive to predictive—aiming to prevent disruptions that can affect essential services.

Primary Healthcare in Bhutan: Bhutan is rethinking primary healthcare beyond just getting people to facilities, with a National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang focused on universal health coverage, stronger prevention and early detection, digital health, workforce needs, traditional medicine, and sustainable financing. Rabies Update (Bhutan): Bhutan has been WHO-validated for eliminating dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023—credited to a nationwide “One Health” approach and community participation. Rabies Prevention (Pet owners): A practical World Rabies Day guide urges immediate wound washing after bites/scratches and correct next steps, warning against delays that can be fatal. H1N1 Flu Watch (Region): WHO reports H1N1 is the dominant flu strain in India and also appears in Bhutan, with higher risks for older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with underlying illnesses. Energy & Health Tech Link: DrukSmart Talks 2026 highlighted how AI and predictive maintenance could help Bhutan’s hydropower operations run more reliably—supporting stable energy for health services and communities. Care & Wellbeing: A story on the “caregiver crunch” shows how culturally tailored elder-care support hubs are helping South Asian families manage stress and hospital navigation.

Rabies Prevention: WHO has validated Bhutan as having eliminated dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero deaths since June 2023—thanks to a long-running “One Health” dog population management and rabies control programme. Primary Healthcare: Bhutan is holding its National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang to reimagine primary care for universal health coverage, focusing on governance, local roles, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine and sustainable financing. Heart Health: World Heart Day coverage highlights cardiovascular disease risks across South Asia and calls for better screening and follow-up, including warnings that H1N1 is the dominant flu strain in India and can raise complications for high-risk groups. Healthcare Access & Caregiving: A caregiver-focused story on the “caregiver crunch” points to culturally safe support hubs for South Asian families navigating elder care. Policy & Rights: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered exit permits for three children of Bhutanese refugees to reunite with parents in the US, citing administrative delays. Health Systems & Training: Japan’s health ministry published a list of 17 countries approved for its technical intern training programme, including Bhutan.

Rabies prevention and care: Bhutan has been WHO-validated as having eliminated dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero deaths since June 2023—highlighting a “One Health” approach that unites animal, human and community systems. Primary healthcare reform: Bhutan is rethinking primary healthcare beyond just getting people to facilities, with the National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang focusing on universal health coverage, health workforce, digital health, traditional medicine and sustainable financing. Flu update: WHO reports H1N1 is the dominant flu strain in India and is also the main strain in Bhutan and Thailand, with higher risks for older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with underlying illnesses. Heart health focus: World Heart Day coverage flags cardiovascular disease risk and screening gaps, including a South Asia study warning that Pakistani women face the highest ischemic heart disease death rates among five countries. Community health guidance: A practical World Rabies Day guide explains what pet parents and community feeders should do immediately after possible exposure.

Rabies milestone for Bhutan: WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero human deaths since June 2023, crediting a “One Health” approach and community-wide action under a nationwide dog population management and rabies control programme. Primary care push in Bhutan: Bhutan is holding the National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang to map a roadmap toward universal health coverage, focusing on governance, local roles, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine, and sustainable financing. Flu surveillance update for the region: WHO reports H1N1 is the dominant flu strain in India, making up 75% of influenza-positive samples, and it’s also the main strain in Bhutan and Thailand—raising the need for vaccination, respiratory hygiene, early testing, and timely antivirals for high-risk groups. Heart health warning: Pakistani women face the highest ischemic heart disease death rate among five South Asian countries studied, with experts urging better screening and follow-up, especially around pregnancy and after childbirth. Bhutan–India border preparations: Assam’s Chirang is setting up a temporary immigration office at Dadgiri-Hatisar ahead of Bhutan’s “Project 108” events, expecting thousands of visitors and planning for border-area management. Energy tech for Bhutan: At DrukSmart Talks 2026, experts discussed using industrial AI and predictive intelligence to shift Bhutan’s hydropower maintenance from reactive monitoring to earlier fault detection and better planning.

Rabies Update (Bhutan): The WHO has validated Bhutan’s elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies as a public health problem, with zero deaths since June 2023, crediting a nationwide “One Health” push and the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme. Primary Care (Bhutan): Bhutan is holding a three-day National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang to map a roadmap toward universal health coverage, focusing on governance, local government roles, digital health, workforce needs, traditional medicine, and sustainable financing. Flu Watch (Region): WHO surveillance says H1N1 is the dominant flu strain in India, making up three out of four influenza-positive samples; it’s also reported as dominant in Bhutan, with advice to prioritize vaccination, hygiene, early testing, and timely antivirals for high-risk groups. Heart Health (South Asia): Experts warn Pakistani women face the highest ischemic heart disease death rate among five South Asian countries, urging better screening and follow-up—especially around pregnancy and after childbirth. Energy Tech (Bhutan): At DrukSmart Talks 2026, Bhutan’s tech sector explored using industrial AI and predictive intelligence to shift hydropower maintenance from reactive monitoring to earlier fault detection and better planning. Drug Treatment (India): Kerala’s “Operation Toofan 2.0” says narcotic abuse and peddling are down 30%, while expanding treatment and rehabilitation alongside continued crackdowns.

Rabies Update: Bhutan has been WHO-certified as having eradicated dog-bite transmitted rabies, with no human deaths since June 2023, credited to a long-running “One Health” push that unites vets, human health workers, local bodies and communities. Primary Healthcare Push: Bhutan is hosting the National Primary Health Care Forum 2026 in Tsirang to strengthen primary care and move toward universal health coverage, with discussions on governance, local roles, digital health, workforce, traditional medicine and sustainable financing. Drug Treatment Focus: Kerala’s “Operation Toofan 2.0” says narcotic abuse and peddling are down 30%, while the next phase targets drug users for treatment and rehabilitation alongside continued police action. Food Loss Warning: Nepal’s agriculture report flags major crop losses despite production gains, including thousands of tonnes lost to climate impacts, pests, diseases, and human-wildlife conflict. Health Innovation Spotlight: The Zayed Sustainability Prize named 2027 finalists, including health-focused solutions such as AI predicting pregnancy complications and other tech aimed at measurable public health impact. Safety Alert: Two Indian tourists died after a rafting boat incident in Bhutan’s Mochhu River, underscoring ongoing risks in adventure tourism.

Nature & Livestock Restoration: A new discussion highlights why livestock and ecosystem restoration don’t have a one-size-fits-all link, warning that both overgrazing and removing grazing can harm landscapes, with lessons drawn from IUCN’s nature-based solutions work in Uzbekistan. Health Innovation Spotlight: The Zayed Sustainability Prize has unveiled 2027 finalists, including solutions already improving maternal health, food security, water access, and ecosystem restoration. Drug Treatment Push: Kerala’s Operation Toofan 2.0 moves into a crucial phase, pairing tougher action against drug traffickers with expanded care and rehabilitation for people with addiction. Bhutan’s Nature Accounting: Bhutan announced it has adopted Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024 alongside GDP and GNH. Food Loss Reality: Bhutan’s wider region faces major crop losses even as production rises, with climate impacts, pests, and human-wildlife conflict cited in recent reporting. Public Health Progress in the Region: WHO notes advances across South-East Asia, including Bhutan’s elimination of dog-mediated human rabies through a whole-of-society One Health approach. Safety Alert: Two Indian tourists died after a rafting accident in Bhutan’s Mochhu River, underscoring ongoing risks in adventure travel.

Public Health & Safety: Two Indian tourists (aged 60 and 68) died after falling from a rafting boat in Bhutan’s Mochhu River near Yebisa village, Punakha; one woman was rescued and taken to Punakha hospital, but the two later died on the way. Wellbeing & Policy: Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024 and positioning it alongside GDP and Gross National Happiness. Health Systems & Regional Gains: A WHO South-East Asia update highlights progress across disease elimination, maternal and child health, immunisation and NCDs, noting Bhutan’s elimination of dog-mediated human rabies through a One Health approach. Nutrition & Food Security: Bhutan’s wider region faces food losses even as production rises—climate impacts, pests, and human-wildlife conflict are cited in crop losses, including paddy, vegetables and fruits. Community & Access: A Concord refugee advocate, Bhawani Dangal, shared his journey after losing hearing and now supports the deaf community through teaching and advocacy.

Bhutan Health & Environment: Bhutan made global headlines by becoming the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024—an approach meant to complement GDP and protect nature as the foundation of wellbeing. Public Health Gains in the Region: A WHO South-East Asia update highlights major progress across disease control, maternal and child health, immunisation and NCDs, including Bhutan’s elimination of dog-mediated human rabies through a whole-of-society One Health approach. Food Security Pressure: Despite rising production, Bhutan still loses thousands of tonnes of crops to climate impacts, pests, and human-wildlife conflict—showing that getting food to the table remains a major health and nutrition challenge. Safety on the Ground: Two Indian tourists died after a rafting accident in Bhutan’s Mochhu River, underscoring the need for stronger safety and emergency response for visitors. Wellness & Community: Bhutan’s Kathri in Paro drew around 15,000 devotees for teachings on impermanence, karma and practice—reflecting how spiritual wellbeing continues to shape community health.

Climate & Tourism Health Link: Prime Minister Balen Shah’s UNGA remarks tied climate change, Himalayan safety, disaster risk, green energy and youth jobs directly to tourism’s wellbeing—an angle that matters for Bhutan’s health, safety and community resilience. Ecosystem-to-Health Policy: Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2B (2024) alongside GDP and GNH—supporting a nature-first approach to long-term health and livelihoods. Public Health & Care Access: Bhutan’s health workforce is growing, but not evenly across cadres, while Gelephu Hospital is set for a major overhaul as GMC takes shape. Injury & Safety Alert: Two Indian tourists died after falling from a rafting boat in Punakha’s Mochhu River—highlighting the need for stronger water-activity safety and emergency response. Sports & Youth Wellness: Taekwondo athlete Dorjee Yangkee ramps up for the Asian Games in Japan while balancing studies, spotlighting training discipline and youth health. Research on Sleep & Mind: Bhutan-based dream yoga research is using neuroscience tools to study lucid dreaming and sleep practices.

UNGA Diplomacy: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wrapped up a five-day UN General Assembly visit in New York, holding high-level meetings with leaders including Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan and Bhutan’s Tshering Tobgay, with discussions spanning trade, investment, manpower and regional issues. Bhutan’s Health Milestone: Bhutan marked the first anniversary of its multidisciplinary breast clinic at JDWNRH in Thimphu, a partnership aimed at earlier diagnosis and stronger, more comprehensive breast cancer care closer to home. Nature & Health Link: Bhutan announced it has become the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2 billion for 2024—an approach meant to complement GDP and support long-term wellbeing. Safety Alert: Two Indian tourists died after falling from a rafting boat in Punakha’s Mochhu River, underscoring ongoing risks in adventure travel. Training & Wellness: Bhutan’s taekwondo athlete Dorjee Yangkee is in final preparations for the Asian Games in Japan, balancing intensive training with college studies.

Gender & Health Equity: The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2026 says Southern Asia is still far from parity, closing just 64.5% overall; education improved, but economic participation and political empowerment lag—an issue that can shape women’s access to jobs, healthcare, and decision-making. Road Safety & Travel Health: Two Indian tourists died after falling from a rafting boat in Bhutan’s Mochhu River near Yebisa village; one woman was rescued, and the bodies were handed over to relatives after transfer toward Punakha hospital. Cancer Care in Bhutan: Bhutan marked the first anniversary of its multidisciplinary breast clinic at JDWNRH in Thimphu, aiming for earlier diagnosis and more comprehensive breast care through a partnership with the Gyalyum Charitable Trust and Thailand’s Queen Sirikit Centre. Clean Cooking & Air Quality: In Gangtey Gewog, households received electric stoves to reduce firewood use, cutting smoke exposure and household air pollution while easing winter cooking burdens. Sustainability With Health Links: Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services alongside GDP and GNH—an approach that can support healthier environments and livelihoods. Sports & Wellbeing: Bhutan’s taekwondo athlete Dorjee Yangkee heads to Japan for the Asian Games, balancing intensive training with sports and health science studies.

Sports & Health: Paro taekwondo athlete Dorjee Yangkee, 19, is in final training for the women’s under-67kg event at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, balancing four hours of daily practice with college studies. Public Health & Safety: Two Indian tourists died after falling from a rafting boat in Bhutan’s Mochhu River near Yebisa village, Punakha; one woman was rescued unharmed and the bodies were handed to relatives. Cancer Care Milestone: Bhutan marked the first anniversary of its multidisciplinary breast clinic at JDWNRH in Thimphu, a partnership aimed at earlier diagnosis and stronger breast cancer care capacity. Clean Cooking & Air Quality: Electric stoves were distributed in Gangtey Gewog to reduce firewood use, cutting smoke exposure and easing winter cooking burdens. Nature, Wellbeing & Policy: Bhutan announced it has adopted Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services (about US$6.2b for 2024) alongside GDP and GNH—linking environmental protection to long-term wellbeing. Research & Sleep Health: Bhutan is also in the spotlight for dream yoga studies that use neuroscience tools to better understand sleep, awareness, and mental wellbeing.

Breast Care Milestone in Bhutan: Bhutan marked the first anniversary of its multidisciplinary breast clinic at JDWNRH, aiming for earlier diagnosis and more comprehensive breast cancer care through a partnership with the Gyalyum Charitable Trust and Thailand’s QSCBC. Clean Cooking Push: In Gangtey Gewog, electric stoves were distributed to reduce firewood use, household smoke and winter fuel burdens—an air quality and health win for families. Health Workforce Update: Bhutan’s health workforce is reported to be growing, with doctor and nurse numbers rising across cadres, though gaps remain in coverage. COPD Treatment Access: A call from respirology experts highlights the need to remove barriers to COPD diagnostics and inhaled therapies, stressing that care shouldn’t be limited by rigid stepwise access. Research Spotlight (Dream Yoga): Bhutan-based dream yoga is being studied with neuroscience tools to better understand sleep, lucid dreaming and potential benefits for mental well-being. Policy & Wellness Lens: Bhutan’s national adoption of gross ecosystem product (GEP) links nature, wellbeing and development—relevant to long-term health and environmental determinants.