The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new Commission on Social Connection, unveiling an urgent response to the escalating health threat of loneliness worldwide.

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Co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, the Commission, consisting of 11 influential figures, aims to tackle the widespread lack of social connection affecting people of all ages globally. Running for three years, it will scrutinize the role of social connection in health and propose solutions to foster social connections at scale.

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Contrary to common perceptions that loneliness primarily impacts older people in affluent nations, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted its global reach: "High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and wellbeing."

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Research findings indicate that one in four older people faces social isolation, and adolescents, between 5–15%, experience loneliness, though these figures are likely underestimations.

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The WHO emphasizes the severe consequences of insufficient social connections, with increased risks of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, and suicide. The lack of social connection is equated, or even greater, to well-known risk factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, and air pollution. Studies show that social isolation is linked to anxiety, depression, and a 30% increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

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The new WHO Commission aims to define a global agenda on social connection, raising awareness and building collaborations to drive evidence-based solutions for individuals, communities, and nations. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated social and economic repercussions, underscores the timeliness of this agenda.

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U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy emphasized the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, stating, "We have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns."

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Social disconnection's impact on education and economic outcomes is also emphasized, with lonely high school students more likely to drop out of university, and disconnected individuals experiencing poorer job satisfaction and performance.

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Chido Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy, highlighted the need to redefine the narrative around loneliness, stating, "Investments in social connection are critical to creating productive, resilient, and stable economies that promote the well-being of current and future generations."

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The Commission on Social Connection, supported by a Secretariat based at WHO, will commence its first leadership-level meeting from 6 to 8 December 2023, with a flagship report expected by the mid-point of the three-year initiative. The list of Commissioners includes global leaders and advocates, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the growing global loneliness epidemic.

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