World Health Organization (WHO) Announces Commission on Social Connection

WHO has announced a new Commission on Social Connection, to address loneliness as a pressing health threat, promote social connection as a priority, and accelerate the scaling up of solutions in countries of all incomes. 

Co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and African Union Youth Envoy, Chido Mpemba, the commission consists of 11 leading policy-makers, thought leaders, and advocates. Running for three years, it will analyze the central role social connection plays in improving health for people of all ages and outline solutions to build social connections at scale.

“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,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This WHO Commission will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions.”

WHO launches commission to foster social connection.