WHO’s International Commission to Combat Loneliness

To underscore the severity of loneliness as a global health issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) equated its mortality impact to that of smoking 15 cigarettes and an elevated risk of incident coronary artery disease (CAD). To address this pressing issue the WHO has launched an international commission tasked with?bringing attention to this overlooked issue on a global scale and developing strategies to combat the?rising epidemic of loneliness.

Once considered to be a singular concern of developed nations, loneliness is now acknowledged as a global health issue by the WHO. To tackle this pervasive mental health issue, an international commission of 11 advocates and government ministers from diverse countries has been established. It is to be led by US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba.

“[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.”

This initiative is in direct response to the mental health crisis that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified feelings of isolation. In November 2022, Statista reported that globally,?33% of adults?experienced loneliness.?Mexico?exhibited the highest standardized prevalence of loneliness at 32.4% nationally, with 34% of respondents in Mexico City and Morelos reporting frequent or constant loneliness. The survey focused on older adults aged 65 and above, revealing standardized prevalence rates ranging from 25.3% to 32.4% across Latin American countries.

For older adults grappling with loneliness, the outlook is grim, as indicated by a 50% higher likelihood of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of incident coronary artery disease or stroke, according to the study?Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults, published on the National Library of Medicine.? Dr. Murthy emphasized the severity of social isolation by drawing a vivid parallel, asserting that the mortality consequences of loneliness surpass the health risks linked to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Social isolation is expected to be further intensified due to challenges in peace, security, the climate crisis, and high unemployment rates, according to Mpemba. This outlook and its impact on mental health underscore the need to reshape the narrative surrounding loneliness.?