Strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through the One Health approach in Bhutan

The project aims to enhance Bhutan’s national health system resilience and emergency preparedness by improving surveillance, laboratory capacities, and workforce skills through a One Health approach, ensuring better preparedness and response to public health emergencies.

Implementation and key components

FAO and WHO, as the Implementing Entities, will provide technical support, working under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Health, and the Bhutan One Health Secretariat.

Operationalizing the Bhutan One Health Secretariat
The project will establish a sustainable One Health mechanism through the Bhutan One Health Secretariat, integrating representatives from key sectors. The Secretariat will update the One Health Strategic Plan, improve intersectoral communication, train focal points, and standardize knowledge management.

Strengthening surveillance and early warning
This component focuses on enhancing disease surveillance, particularly zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It includes developing standard procedures, training district staff, and upgrading surveillance systems. Community-based surveillance will be expanded by training up to 500 health workers.

Upgrading laboratory systems
The project will improve laboratory quality through facility upgrades, biosafety and biosecurity protocols, and staff training. It will also promote national biosafety policies and support molecular testing certification in human and animal health laboratories.

Investing in workforce capacity
A national workforce registry will be established, and ongoing training will be provided across sectors. Key areas include AMR, risk communication, biorepository management, and advanced epidemiology, to strengthen pandemic PPR capabilities.

Expected outcomes

The project is expected to improve Bhutan’s health emergency preparedness by developing a functional early warning and disease surveillance system, enhancing sectoral cooperation, and aligning with the Pandemic Fund Results Framework, leading to improved JEE, SPAR, and PVS scores.