In response to the growing global concern about loneliness, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a significant step by introducing the Commission on Social Connection. Launched this week, the commission is a dedicated effort to address loneliness as a pressing health threat, elevate social connection as a priority, and accelerate the implementation of solutions across nations of varying economic statuses.
Leading this international commission are U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, alongside a distinguished panel of “11 leading policy-makers, thought leaders, and advocates,” as outlined in the official release.
Over the next three years, the commission will delve into the profound effects of loneliness and social isolation on physical, mental, and emotional health. Dr. Murthy underscored the severity of these effects, likening them to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day—a comparison that surpasses the impact of obesity and neglecting physical health.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the commission’s mission, Dr. Murthy stated, “I am thrilled to work closely with an outstanding group of Commissioners on advancing social connection – a vital component of well-being. Together, we can build a world that is less lonely, healthier, and more resilient.”
Drawing parallels with other global health concerns, Dr. Murthy emphasized the obligation to invest in rebuilding the social fabric of society, echoing efforts made in addressing issues like tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis.
Chido Mpemba, in her statement, emphasized the universality of loneliness, stating, “Young people are not immune to loneliness. Social isolation can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere.” She called for a paradigm shift in the narrative surrounding loneliness, stressing the critical nature of investments in social connection for fostering productive, resilient, and stable economies that prioritize the well-being of current and future generations.
The launch of the Commission on Social Connection signals a collective commitment to combatting loneliness on a global scale, recognizing it as a multifaceted health concern that warrants comprehensive attention and solutions.
