Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised loneliness as a critical global health threat, drawing attention to its mortality impact, which is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
This acknowledgement underscores the significance of addressing loneliness as a serious public health issue.
WHO’s 3-Year International Commission
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a significant step in addressing the global health threat of loneliness by launching an International Commission.
This commission, spearheaded by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba, brings together a diverse group of 11 advocates and government ministers, including notable figures such as Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation in Vanuatu, and Ayuko Kato, Japan’s Minister in charge of measures for isolation.
With a mission to tackle loneliness as a critical health issue, the commission aims to elevate the importance of social connection as a priority and expedite the enactment of solutions in countries across all income levels. The commission’s tenure is set for three years, during which it will thoroughly analyse the pivotal role social connection plays in enhancing health across all age groups. The ultimate goal is to outline and implement scalable solutions to promote social relationships on a global scale.
In an official statement, the WHO highlighted the commission’s commitment to understanding and addressing the health risks associated with social isolation, emphasising the need for effective and sustainable solutions. This international initiative echoes a concerted effort to recognise and combat the far-reaching implications of loneliness on global health.
Dr Tedros stated that establishing social connections as a global health priority and sharing the most promising interventions would be the primary focus of the WHO Commission.
The Harmful Effects of Loneliness
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that high levels of social isolation and being alone worldwide carry severe implications for health and well-being.
Individuals lacking sufficient strong social connections face increased risks of conditions such as stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, and suicide, among others.
Dr Murthy sheds light on a concerning reality: loneliness, often perceived as a problem exclusive to developed nations, is a pervasive issue affecting one in four older individuals across all regions of the globe.
The health risks associated with loneliness are not to be underestimated, with the consequence likened to smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily, surpassing even the risks linked to obesity and physical inactivity. Dr Murthy emphasises that these challenges extend beyond borders, labelling loneliness as an underrated but consequential public health threat with far-reaching consequences.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reinforces this perspective by revealing that in older adults, loneliness correlates with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke. The impact isn’t restricted to older people, as research suggests that between 5% and 15% of adolescents experience loneliness.
However, these figures are likely underestimations, according to the WHO.
A poignant reminder from Mr Mpemba emphasises that loneliness is not bound by age or geographical boundaries. It has evolved into a global public health concern, influencing various health, well-being, and development facets.
The ripple effects of loneliness are far-reaching, affecting young people in education and leading to potential dropouts from university. Moreover, in the professional domain, feelings of isolation can result in poorer job satisfaction and performance, accentuating the need for a complete global strategy to address this multifaceted problem.
Conclusion
Loneliness isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s a pervasive force affecting individuals’ health, well-being, and development across the lifespan. It’s imperative to recognise that the combat against loneliness goes beyond an individual battle—it’s a collective and joint responsibility for the betterment of society.
It’s not just about counting years; it’s about ensuring those years are lived with a deep sense of belonging. It is essential that we work on this issue together to navigate to a world where everyone can thrive socially, mentally, and physically.
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