WHO country cooperation strategy: 2026–2030: Bhutan

Overview

The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2026–2030 reinforces the strategic agenda of WHO for Bhutan, aiming to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of its collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan. Building on a partnership that began in 1982, this CCS seeks to ensure the greatest possible contribution to the health and development outcomes of Bhutan. It aligns with the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024–2028 and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028).

Bhutan has made remarkable progress in health outcomes. Maternal mortality dropped significantly from 255 per 100 000 live births in 2000 to 53 in 2023 while under-five mortality declined from 84 per 1000 live births in 2000 to 19.5 in 2023. Immunization coverage remains robust at over 99% and institutional delivery rates have reached 98.5%, as per National Health Survey (NHS) 2023. Almost all households (99.7%) and the overall population (99.7%) have access to improved drinking water sources.