WHO Declares Loneliness a Global Health Threat

 

🌍 What Is Happening?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially called loneliness a serious public health problem.

Today, 1 in every 6 people worldwide feels chronic loneliness—that means feeling alone for a long time, not just for a few days.

🔴 Why is this important?
Loneliness is not only about feelings. It can harm your body and mind. WHO found that:

• Chronic loneliness increases heart disease and stroke risk.

• It can lead to depression, anxiety, and even early death.

• More than 871,000 people die every year because of problems linked to loneliness.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, said:

“In a world full of ways to connect, people are feeling more disconnected than ever.”

✅ Main Causes:

• Spending too much time on phones or screens.

• Living alone.

• Moving away from family or friends.

• Losing loved ones.

• Long illnesses.

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💔 Why Should We Care?

When people feel lonely for months or years:

• Their immune system becomes weaker.

• They can get high blood pressure.

• They feel less motivated to care for themselves.

🔍 Studies show loneliness increases:

• The chance of dementia by 50%.

• The chance of heart disease by 30%.

• The chance of early death by 26%.

👵 Older adults are especially at risk. About 1 in 3 elderly people feel very isolated.
Young people are also suffering because of social media overuse and fewer in-person friendships.

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🌱 What Can We Do About It?

WHO and experts recommend 10 simple actions to feel connected again:

1️⃣ Reach out to loved ones.
Call or text a family member or friend regularly.

2️⃣ Limit phone time when with people.
Put your phone away to make eye contact and show you care.

3️⃣ Talk to neighbors.
Say hello and have short chats. This creates trust and belonging.

4️⃣ Join group activities.
Try a sport, a book club, or a community class.

5️⃣ Volunteer.
Helping others gives you purpose and friends.

6️⃣ Check on others.
Some people feel even more alone. Your call could mean a lot.

7️⃣ Use technology carefully.
Video calls are good, but they shouldn’t replace face-to-face time.

8️⃣ Get professional help.
If sadness feels heavy, talk to a counselor.

9️⃣ Create social routines.
Weekly walks, meals, or coffee catch-ups help you stay connected.

🔟 Support policies that fight loneliness.
Governments can create programs in schools, hospitals, and communities to connect people.

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🧠 Expert Words

Jane Gatete Abatoni, Executive Secretary of ARCT-Ruhuka in Rwanda, said:

“Loneliness is normal sometimes. But when it lasts too long, it becomes harmful. It is not weakness to ask for help—it is strength.”