WHO Report: Loneliness Causes Nearly 871,000 Deaths Globally Each Year.
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- WHO Report: Loneliness Causes Nearly 871,000 Deaths Globally Each Year.
WHO Report: Loneliness Causes Nearly 871,000 Deaths Globally Each Year.
A recent report from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Commission on Social Connection reveals that loneliness contributes
to approximately 871,000 deaths each year across the globe. The report highlights that about one in six people worldwide experience loneliness, which significantly impacts their health and well-being. This equates to around 100 deaths every hour linked to loneliness.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair of the WHO Commission and former U.S. Surgeon General, described loneliness and social isolation as major challenges of our era. The commission’s report outlines strategies to foster greater social connection, emphasizing their positive effects on health, education, and economic outcomes.
The report distinguishes loneliness as the distress from the gap between desired and actual social connections, while social isolation refers to a measurable lack of social interaction.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted the paradox of growing isolation despite the many opportunities for connection today. He warned that without intervention, loneliness and social isolation will continue to impose large societal costs in healthcare, education, and employment.
Data from the report shows that 17% to 21% of young people aged 13 to 29 experience loneliness, with teenagers most affected. Social isolation impacts roughly one in four adolescents and one in three older adults.
Economic disparities are evident: nearly 24% of people in low-income countries report feeling lonely, double the rate seen in high-income countries, where the figure is about 11%.
The report also highlights that vulnerable groups—including people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities—face additional barriers to social connection due to discrimination and systemic challenges.
Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the commission and advisor to the African Union Chairperson, stressed the importance of integrating social connection into policies related to digital access, health, education, and employment. She emphasized that technology should strengthen human connection rather than weaken it.
The causes of loneliness and social isolation are complex and include poor health, low income and education, living alone, insufficient community infrastructure, public policies, and the impact of digital technologies.
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Faith Kegh
Content & Editorial Manager - Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.
As the key driver of TokinPoint Media LTD's editorial voice, the manager oversees content planning, assigns tasks to writers or editors, enforces deadlines, and ensures consistency across all platforms. She also plays a strategic role in aligning content with audience interests and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.