The World Health Organization (WHO) has in a significant move, unveiled the establishment of a groundbreaking Commission on Social Connection, aimed at addressing loneliness as a severe health threat on a global scale.

The Commission, co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, comprises 11 influential policy-makers, thought leaders, and advocates. Operating over three years, it will scrutinize the pivotal role of social connection in enhancing health across all age groups and propose solutions to foster social connections universally.

Social isolation and loneliness, affecting people worldwide, have prompted the WHO to prioritise the issue as a global health concern. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized, "High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and wellbeing."

Contrary to common perceptions, loneliness impacts all age groups globally. Research indicates that one in four older people faces social isolation, with adolescents experiencing loneliness at rates between 5-15%, according to findings, likely underestimated.

Dr Vivek Murthy stressed the severe consequences of loneliness, stating, "People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide, and more."

Loneliness is highlighted as a risk equivalent to or greater than well-known factors like smoking, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, and air pollution. The new WHO Commission aims to define a global agenda on social connection, raising awareness and fostering evidence-based solutions for individuals, communities, and nations.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social connections underscores the urgency of addressing loneliness. Dr Vivek Murthy asserted, "Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, 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."

The Commission's agenda includes redefining the narrative around loneliness and emphasising investments in social connection as crucial to creating productive, resilient, and stable economies.

Chido Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy, emphasized the relevance of addressing loneliness across all age groups: "Young people are not immune to loneliness. Social isolation can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere."

The Commission, supported by a WHO-based Secretariat, will convene its first leadership-level meeting from 6 to 8 December 2023, with a flagship report expected midway through the three-year initiative.

The Commission's diverse list of commissioners includes global leaders and advocates from various countries, indicating a collaborative effort to tackle the global loneliness crisis.