Global loneliness crisis: 100 deaths every hour, says WHO
New Delhi: In a concerning development, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that loneliness contributes to nearly 100 deaths every hour—amounting to more than 871,000 deaths annually.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Commission on Social Connection in its global report, as cited by The New Indian Express on Tuesday, underscores loneliness as a critical global public health concern. It noted that strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life.
According to the report, one in six people globally is affected by loneliness. The finding reveals that loneliness cuts across age groups but is especially prevalent among young people and those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In low-income countries, 24% people experience loneliness—more than double the rate in high-income nations (about 11%).
“In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves lonely,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Apart from the toll it takes on individuals, families and communities, left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in terms of health care, education, and employment,” he added.
Older adults are also at risk, with social isolation estimated to affect up to one in three seniors globally. Vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous populations, and ethnic minorities may face discrimination or additional barriers that make social connection harder, as per the report.
Dr Vivek Murthy, Co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection and former U.S. Surgeon General, highlighted that the report exposes loneliness and isolation as one of the most significant challenges of our time. “Our Commission lays out a road map for how we can build more connected lives and underscores the profound impact this can have on health, educational, and economic outcomes,” he said.
The report identified multiple causes of loneliness and social isolation, including poor health, low income, limited education, living alone, and inadequate community infrastructure.
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Iran warns of ‘uncontrollable consequences’ after energy site strike
Qatar warns residents of ‘Elavated’ threat
Tehran/Doha: Iran’s President Massoud Pezeshkian has warned that attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure could lead to “uncontrollable consequences” affecting the entire world.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian said he “strongly condemns” the strikes that targeted the South Pars gasfield earlier in the day.
“Such aggressive actions will not achieve anything for the American Zionist enemy and their supporters. Rather, they will complicate the situation and could lead to uncontrollable consequences that will affect the entire world,” he said.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has urged residents to remain indoors due to what it described as an elevated security threat.
Authorities have not provided further details, but the advisory comes amid growing concerns over the safety of energy infrastructure and civilian areas in the region.
