The southern advocacy tour reached Phuentsholing, Chukha Dzongkhag, today, where the Director of Public Health led the high-level malaria advocacy program. The session was graced by the Honourable Dasho Dzongdag, Dasho Thrompon, and Dasho Dungpa, alongside local leaders, sector heads, and community representatives who stood united in their resolve to protect their people from malaria.

Participants also raised their voices, asking important questions and sharing perspectives on the way forward. Their active engagement reaffirmed that strong community participation is essential to achieving malaria elimination.

Discussions also addressed the wider threat of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, and kala-azar ~ challenges that are only projected to exacerbate with climate change, rapid urbanization, population growth, cross-border movement, and land-use changes. These realities underscore the urgency of strong community awareness and collective preparedness.

The advocacy in Phuentsholing was a powerful reminder that Bhutan’s path to malaria elimination is built not only on national strategies but also on the unity of leaders and the resilience of communities who continue to safeguard health at the grassroots.

Special thanks to WHO Bhutan for their steadfast support in making the southern malaria advocacy tour possible. Your commitment continues to strengthen Bhutan’s journey toward a malaria-free future.