WHO launches initiative to fight loneliness, co-led by Black women to address an urgent global health issue.

As the holiday season is fully underway, the World Health Organization is taking action to combat loneliness. The WHO has launched a Commission on Social Connection, co-led by Black women, to remedy social isolation for all age groups and understand how loneliness affects one's health.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared, "High rates of social isolation and loneliness worldwide have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, and suicide and more." He further emphasized the importance of this commission in making social connection a global health priority and sharing the most promising interventions.

The commission is co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy, Chido Mpemba. Mpemba's involvement is ensuring that the efforts are maintained across the generations. She said, "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."

Commissioner Haben Girma, the first deaf-blind graduate of Harvard Law School, shared her thoughts on the mission. She said, "We know constraints become catalysts for innovation. Understanding how people with different bodies/minds resist isolation is critical. To increase social connection, listen to disabled people."

The WHO Commission is set to have its first meeting on December 6, 2020, and a flagship report will be released in the middle of its initial three-year establishment. It is hoped that this commission will help to reduce the serious health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation.

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