WHO Names Loneliness as Global Health Threat
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated loneliness as a global and serious health threat that needs to be prioritized. To that end, WHO launched the Commission on Social Relations which focuses on addressing the health threats caused by loneliness.
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| Representational image. (Photo: Getty Images) |
The new commission is chaired by US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth representative Chido Mpemba.
Loneliness is an often overlooked 'health threat'
Over the next three years, the commission will focus on pressing health issues related to the impact of loneliness, review the latest scientific developments, and devise strategies to help people deepen their social relationships.
Dr Murthy said loneliness is a 'health threat' that is often overlooked, and has now become a global problem experienced by many people around the world.
Also, read: Children's Mental Health and the Impact of Social Media.
"For a long time, the loneliness that is in the shadows, invisible and underestimated, has become a driver of various mental and physical illnesses," said Dr. Murthy, quoted from CNN, Sunday (11/19/2023).
Furthermore, he explained that the lack of social connections has the same risk of death as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, sedentary life, obesity, and air pollution.
"Social disconnection has been a major factor driving the rise of mental health crises as we see them today," Dr Murthy said.
He added that loneliness and social isolation can also cause physical health problems. For a long time, loneliness and social isolation have been associated with impaired immune function cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, and an increased risk of stroke by 30 percent.
Similarly, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said loneliness can have an impact on health and well-being.
"High levels of social isolation and loneliness around the world can have serious consequences for health and well-being. People who do not have strong social relationships have a high risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide, and so on," said Ghebreyesus.
"WHO's new commission will help establish social connections as a global health priority and share the most promising intervention steps."