November 20, 2023
2 mins read

WHO Aims to Tackle Loneliness Worldwide

According to research, social isolation is common among one in four older people and in five to 15 per cent adolescents. However, these figures are likely to be underestimations…reports Asian Lite News

Loneliness is a pressing health threat, with serious consequences for the health and mental well-being of the elderly and young people worldwide, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday.Social isolation — having an insufficient number of social connections, and loneliness — and the social pain of not feeling connected are widespread.Contrary to the perception that isolation and loneliness primarily affect older people in high-income countries, they impact the health and well-being of all age groups across the world.According to research, social isolation is common among one in four older people and in five to 15 per cent adolescents. However, these figures are likely to be underestimations.

To address it, the UN health body announced a new Commission on Social Connection which will promote social connection as a priority and accelerate the scaling up of solutions in countries of all incomes.“High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a statement.

“This WHO Commission will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions,” he added.The Commission, to be co-chaired by US Surgeon General, Dr Vivek Murthy, and African Union Youth Envoy, Chido Mpemba, will have 11 leading policy-makers, thought leaders and advocates.Running for three years, it will analyse the central role social connection plays in improving health for people of all ages and outline solutions to build social connections at scale.The Commission will consider how connection enhances the well-being of our communities and societies and helps foster economic progress, social development, and innovation.Studies show that lack of social connection carries an equivalent, or even greater, risk of early death as other better-known risk factors – such as smoking, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, and air pollution.Social isolation also has a serious impact on physical and mental health; studies show that it has been linked to anxiety and depression and can increase risk of cardiovascular disease by 30 per cent.The Commission on Social Connection, supported by a Secretariat based at WHO, will hold its first leadership-level meeting from December 6 to 8, the WHO said.

ALSO READ-Economic cost of mental illness

Previous Story

Global Media Congress Sets New Standards in Industry Collaboration

Next Story

Jayan’s Heroic Legacy Lives On

Latest from -Top News

Lavrov and Rubio discuss Ukraine peace talks

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that President Putin was ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions….reports Asian Lite News Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary

No Deal: EU Holds Line on China Sanctions

EU stated the sanctions were a response to involvement in “serious human rights violations in China…reports Asian Lite News The European Union has decided not to lift sanctions imposed on Chinese officials

India Slams BBC Over Pahalgam Coverage

Several social media users pointed out that the BBC’s headline appeared misleading, giving the impression as if “India killed the tourists.”…reports Asian Lite News India has written to a leading British public

Financial Turmoil Grips Bangladesh

The crisis emerged with the political transition after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following a violent uprising last year….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh is grappling with an economic crisis
Go toTop

Don't Miss

WHO lauds Sri Lanka’s efforts to curb trans fat

In the South-East Asia region, 9 million deaths, almost 69

‘Covid-19 killed 1,15,000 health workers’

WHO chief lamented that so many healthcare workers lost their