Hidden epidemic: Loneliness killing nearly 100 people every hour globally: WHO

ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking global report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that one in six people worldwide suffers from loneliness, a hidden epidemic that is now linked to more than 871,000 deaths annually—or nearly 100 every hour.

The WHO Commission on Social Connection says the crisis is having a profound impact on mental and physical health, quality of life, education, and economies. Strong social bonds, on the other hand, are associated with better health outcomes and longer life.

“In this report, we pull back the curtain on loneliness and isolation as a defining challenge of our time,” said Dr Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO commission and former US surgeon general. “Our roadmap outlines how building more connected lives can transform health, education, and economic outcomes.”

WHO defines social connection as the way people relate to and interact with others. Loneliness is the painful emotional response to lacking meaningful social ties, while social isolation is the objective absence of connections.

“In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” noted WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “If left unaddressed, this crisis will continue to cost societies billions in healthcare, education, and lost productivity.”

The report reveals youth and people in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected. Up to 21 per cent of individuals aged 13–29 feel lonely, with teenagers worst hit. In low-income countries, the loneliness rate is 24 per cent—double that of high-income countries (11 per cent).

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,” said Chido Mpemba, African Union Adviser and co-chair of the commission. “Social connection must be integrated into all policies—from digital access to education and employment.”

Older adults and marginalised groups—such as persons with disabilities, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and ethnic minorities—also face elevated risks due to discrimination and structural barriers. Excessive screen time and negative online interactions are also flagged as contributors to youth isolation.

Loneliness and social isolation are not just emotional issues—they pose serious health threats. They increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death. Lonely individuals are twice as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Teens facing loneliness are 22 per cent more likely to underperform academically, while adults may struggle to find or retain jobs and earn less over time.

At the societal level, loneliness undermines social cohesion and fuels massive losses in healthcare spending and workforce productivity. Conversely, communities with strong social ties are safer, healthier, and more resilient in times of crisis.

The commission’s roadmap urges global action in five key areas: policy reform, targeted interventions, improved measurement tools (such as a proposed Global Social Connection Index), enhanced research, and public engagement to shift norms around isolation.

Solutions range from national-level reforms and awareness campaigns to local infrastructure development and simple daily actions—like greeting a neighbour or volunteering. WHO is now calling on all governments, civil society groups, and individuals to treat social connection as a public health priority—and a universal human need.