The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that loneliness is a pressing health threat worldwide, launching a commission to put primacy on social connection and scale up solutions to combat concern.

“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,” WHO said in a statement on the new Commission on Social Connection spearheaded by 11 policy-makers, thought leaders, and advocates.

“The Commission will consider how connection enhances the well-being of our communities and societies and helps foster economic progress, social development, and innovation,” it added.

WHO underscored that widespread social isolation and absence of connection among peers impact both physical and mental aspects of every age group worldwide, creating a direct link to anxiety and depression alongside the increased risk of cardiovascular disease by 30 percent.

“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,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Ghebreyesus added that the new commission establishes social connection as a global health priority that would share promising interventions such as raising awareness and building collaborations.

“Young people are not immune to loneliness. Social isolation can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere. Across Africa and beyond, we must redefine the narrative around loneliness. Investments in social connection are critical to creating productive, resilient and stable economies that promote the well-being of current and future generations,” African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba said.

The new commission is set to have its first leadership-level meeting from December 6 to 8 this year, creating a flagship report on their three-year initiative.