Bhutan achieved one of the world's highest COVID-19 vaccination rates, with over 90% of the eligible population fully vaccinated within days of receiving doses. The campaign showcased the effectiveness of community-based health systems and strong public trust in government.
Overview
Bhutan's COVID-19 vaccination[1] campaign is considered one of the most successful in the world. The country achieved over 90% vaccination coverage of its eligible population with extraordinary speed — administering first doses to the majority of adults within days of receiving vaccines.
How It Worked
- Community health workers — Bhutan's network of village health workers reached remote communities that would be inaccessible to centralized vaccination centers
- Astrological timing — the campaign launch was timed to an astrologically auspicious date, which boosted public participation
- Royal leadership — King Jigme Khesar personally toured the country to encourage vaccination
- Free healthcare system — no cost barriers to access
- High public trust — Bhutanese citizens showed exceptionally high trust in government health guidance
References
- "An Exemplary National COVID-19 Vaccination: Lessons from Bhutan." PMC, 2022.
- "UNICEF hails Bhutan's successful completion of full COVID-19 vaccinations for 90%." UNICEF.
- "The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Bhutan: strategy and enablers." Infectious Diseases of Poverty / PMC, 2022.
- "COVID: Bhutan fully vaccinates 90 percent of adults within a week." Al Jazeera, July 2021.
- "A New Digital System Drives Bhutan's COVID-19 Vaccination Success." UNDP Bhutan.
Test Your Knowledge
Think you know about this topic? Try a quick quiz!
Help improve this article
Do you have personal knowledge about this topic? Were you there? Your experience matters. BhutanWiki is built by the community, for the community.
Anonymous contributions welcome. No account required.