Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized loneliness as a pressing global health threat, likening its mortality effects to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, according to the US surgeon general.
To address this issue, the WHO has launched an international commission, spearheaded by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba. It also Comprises 11 advocates and government ministers of various countries.
This commission on social connection aims to confront loneliness as a critical health threat. Its objectives include prioritising social connection on a global scale and accelerating the implementation of solutions across nations of varying economic statuses.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, a commission member, emphasized that despite common perceptions associating loneliness primarily with developed countries, social isolation affects one in four older individuals across all regions of the world.
Dr. Murthy stressed that the health risks linked to loneliness surpass those of smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily and are even greater than the dangers associated with obesity and physical inactivity. He underscored the global nature of the issue, declaring, “Loneliness is an underappreciated public health threat.”
The WHO disclosed that in older adults, loneliness is correlated with a 50% heightened risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke. Additionally, research findings indicate that between 5% and 15% of adolescents experience loneliness, though the WHO cautions that these figures are likely underestimations.
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