Loneliness
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a powerful call to action, warning that loneliness and social isolation have emerged as major public health threats, contributing to over 800,000 deaths globally each year.
In its latest report, the UN health agency describes loneliness as “a public health challenge of our time,” highlighting its profound impact on physical and mental well-being and urging governments to prioritize social connection in national policy frameworks.
According to the WHO, loneliness is not merely an emotional state but a serious risk factor for multiple life-threatening conditions. The report estimates that more than 871,000 deaths annually — or over 100 deaths every hour — can be attributed to loneliness-related health consequences.
These include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. The organization defines loneliness as the painful gap between the social relationships a person desires and those they actually experience.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency of the issue in a statement. “At a time when people are more digitally connected than ever before, a growing number of individuals are feeling isolated and alone. This paradox must be addressed urgently.”
The global report reveals that one in six people across the world experiences loneliness. Although the condition spans all age groups, young people and individuals living in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected. Notably, despite widespread digital access, youth remain vulnerable to feelings of disconnection and emotional isolation.
Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection, highlighted this contradiction, saying, “As technology reshapes our societies, we must ensure it brings us closer together — not further apart.”
In addition to the emotional toll, loneliness carries substantial health risks. Studies cited in the report show that individuals who lack social bonds are significantly more likely to suffer from mental illness and die prematurely, while those with strong social ties tend to live longer and enjoy better overall health. “People who live alone are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression,” the report notes, underlining the urgency of addressing this growing epidemic.
To combat this global crisis, WHO has laid out a comprehensive roadmap focused on five key areas: advancing supportive policies, investing in scientific research, scaling evidence-based solutions, improving the measurement of social connection, and reshaping societal perceptions to reduce stigma surrounding loneliness.
The organization is calling on individuals, communities, civil society, international agencies, and governments to come together to reverse the growing trend of isolation. It encourages countries to integrate social connection into national health strategies, create inclusive community programs, and foster environments that promote meaningful social interactions.
The report concludes with a strong message: “It is time to build societies that foster belonging and mutual care. Social connection is not a luxury — it is a fundamental human need.”
WHO’s findings underscore the need for urgent, coordinated efforts to reconnect communities, restore human bonds, and make social connection a global public health priority.
