Loneliness has been named a major global health problem by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with the US surgeon general stating that its death consequences are similar to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
WHO has convened an international commission on the issue, led by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, comprised of 11 advocates and government ministers, including Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s minister of climate change adaptation, and Ayuko Kato, Japan’s minister in charge of loneliness and isolation measures.
It comes after the COVID-19 epidemic interrupted economic and social activities, increasing loneliness, but also amid a renewed awareness of the issue’s significance. The WHO Social Connection Commission will be in place for three years.
“[Loneliness] transcends borders and is becoming a global public health concern affecting every facet of health, wellbeing and development,” said Mpemba. “Social isolation knows no age or boundaries.
According to Murthy, the health hazards are comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day and even worse than those connected with obesity and physical inactivity.
While loneliness is frequently viewed as an issue in industrialised nations, Murthy claims that one in every four elderly persons worldwide experiences social isolation.
Loneliness is related to a 50% greater risk of acquiring dementia and a 30% increased risk of incident coronary artery disease or stroke in older persons.
However, it also has a negative impact on the lives of young people. According to studies, between 5% and 15% of teenagers are lonely. In Africa, 12.7% of teenagers are lonely, compared to 5.3% in Europe.
Young people who are lonely in school are more likely to drop out of university. It can also have a negative economic impact; feeling alienated and unsupported at work can lead to lower job satisfaction and performance.
Mpemba stated that in Africa, where the majority of the population is young, issues such as peace, security, and climate catastrophe, as well as high levels of unemployment, are all leading to social isolation.
“We believe it’s important to redefine the narrative surrounding loneliness, particularly for vulnerable populations excluded by the digital divide,” she said.
Murthy added: “These issues don’t affect one country … [Loneliness] is an underappreciated public health threat.”
