A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that loneliness is a growing global health crisis, claiming over 871,000 lives every year. This averages out to around 100 deaths every hour.
According to the WHO Commission on Social Connection, one in six people worldwide suffers from loneliness, which has severe consequences beyond emotional discomfort. The report highlights that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
The WHO report also notes that young people and those in low-income countries are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. An estimated 17-21% of individuals aged 13-29 report feeling lonely, with teenagers showing the highest rates.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the need for governments to prioritize social connection as a public health issue. The WHO Commission has urged governments to implement strategies to improve health, education, and economic development.
In a positive development, Sweden has been cited as a model for tackling loneliness at a national level. The country has launched a comprehensive strategy to promote social connection, including prepaid leisure cards for young people and efforts to create opportunities for interaction in community spaces.
The WHO report serves as a wake-up call for governments worldwide to address the growing issue of loneliness and its devastating consequences.
Source/CEOAfrica
