Bhutan has completed its second JEE of core capacities, involving 21 international experts and 70 Bhutanese professionals, demonstrating its commitment to national and global health security. Deki Yangzom emphasized the importance of the JEE in shaping national health emergency preparedness and response capacities, laying the groundwork for successful pandemic fund application. These initiatives, which involve ministries, educational institutions, security agencies, and other sectors, demonstrate Bhutan’s proactive and well-coordinated approach. Bhutan has always demonstrated leadership in public health, according to Dr. Reuben Samuel, WHO-SEARO’s Programme Area Manager for WHE.
International experts are working with Bhutanese health ministries to assess technical areas such as antimicrobial resistance, biosafety, zoonotic diseases, emergency response, and risk communication. Participants repeatedly reiterated during the meetings that the JEE is about encouraging candid self-evaluation and long-term progress rather than rankings or scores. Dr. Samuel agreed, stating that visionary leadership based on Bhutan’s national principles is responsible for the country’s resiliency. The mission’s conclusions will direct Bhutan’s subsequent investment and policy-making phase, ensuring that the nation is still prepared to react quickly, effectively, and cooperatively to future public health catastrophes.