Close Menu
John Mahama News
  • Home
  • Ghana News
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Corruption Watch
  • Economic
    • Education & Innovation
  • Environmental
    • Governance & Policy
  • Health & Welfare
    • Historical & Cultural Insights
    • Infrastructure & Development
    • International Relations
  • Ministerial News
    • Presidential Updates
  • Public Opinion
    • Regional Governance
      • Social Issues & Advocacy
      • Youth & Sports
What's Hot

‘There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI which Ghana abstained’ – Government clarifies

July 9, 2025

Edward Bawa thanks NDC executives in Ashanti and Bono Regions for 2024 election support

July 9, 2025

Hohoe NDC constituency organizer locks up NADMO office

July 9, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Trending
  • ‘There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI which Ghana abstained’ – Government clarifies
  • Edward Bawa thanks NDC executives in Ashanti and Bono Regions for 2024 election support
  • Hohoe NDC constituency organizer locks up NADMO office
  • Engineers & Planners and the Black Volta Victory: Ghana’s Wealth, Ghana’s Win
  • Star Oil consolidates position as market leader, overtaking GOIL – NPA
  • Chip-embedded passport relaunch solved nothing, cost $1.2 million to taxpayers — Minority
  • Father threatens legal action against popular SHS for alleged negligence
  • Ghana to host 18th E-Learning Africa edition in June 2026 
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • DMCA
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
John Mahama News
Wednesday, July 9
  • Home
  • Ghana News
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Corruption Watch
  • Economic
    • Education & Innovation
  • Environmental
    • Governance & Policy
  • Health & Welfare
    • Historical & Cultural Insights
    • Infrastructure & Development
    • International Relations
  • Ministerial News
    • Presidential Updates
  • Public Opinion
    • Regional Governance
      • Social Issues & Advocacy
      • Youth & Sports
John Mahama News
Home » Loneliness linked to over 100 deaths every hour, 871,000 deaths annually — WHO report

Loneliness linked to over 100 deaths every hour, 871,000 deaths annually — WHO report

johnmahamaBy johnmahamaJuly 9, 2025 Health & Welfare No Comments3 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email


A World Health Organization (WHO) report has linked loneliness to over 100 deaths every hour, totalling more than 871,000 global fatalities each year.

The WHO Commission on Social Connection revealed in its report that one in six people globally experience loneliness, with significant consequences for physical and mental health, well-being, and economic productivity.

WHO defines social connection as the ways people interact with others; loneliness as the painful feeling resulting from a gap between desired and actual connections; and social isolation as a lack of sufficient social ties.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, noted that despite the limitless opportunities for connection in today’s world, increasing numbers of people feel isolated and alone.

He warned that beyond individual impacts, unaddressed loneliness and social isolation could cost societies billions through health care, education, and employment losses.

The report highlights that loneliness affects people of all ages, particularly youth and those in low- and middle-income countries.

Among individuals aged 13–29, between 17–21 per cent reported feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers.

In low-income countries, about 24 per cent reported loneliness—double the 11 per cent in high-income countries.

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone. As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens, not weakens human connection,” Ms. Chido Mpemba, Co-chair of the WHO Commission and Advisor to the African Union Chairperson, stated.

She stressed that policies must embed social connection across sectors such as digital access, health, education, and employment.

Although data on social isolation is more limited, it is estimated to affect one in three older adults and one in four adolescents. Vulnerable groups—such as people with disabilities, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous populations, and ethnic minorities—often face additional barriers to social connection.

Ms. Mpemba noted that the root causes of loneliness and isolation are varied, including poor health, low income, limited education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, weak public policy, and digital influences.

792025124147-j4ep276ggb-health-loneliness-death-2

The report cautions about the mental health risks associated with excessive screen time and negative online experiences, particularly for youth.

It further outlines the health and economic consequences: social connection reduces inflammation, supports mental health, lowers the risk of major diseases, and can prevent premature death.

It also enhances community safety and prosperity.

In contrast, loneliness and isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, and early mortality.

“People who were lonely [are] twice as likely to get depressed,” the report noted, also linking loneliness to anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

At the societal level, the report said loneliness weakened social cohesion and incurred high costs in lost productivity and health care.

It said communities with strong social ties tended to be more resilient and responsive to crises.

The WHO affirmed that solutions existed at national, community, and individual levels—from awareness campaigns and policy reforms to building inclusive social infrastructure such as parks, libraries, and community centres, alongside mental health support.

It called on individuals to act—check in on a friend, be fully engaged in conversations without digital distractions, connect with neighbours, participate in community groups, or offer their time through volunteering.

“If the problem is more serious, finding out about available support and services for people who feel lonely is important,” it added.

GNA



Source link

johnmahama
  • Website

Keep Reading

We’re partnering private sector to revamp ailing health facilities — Health Minister

2.2 million Ghanaians’ eye fails to focus light properly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision – Prof. Boadi-Kusi 

We must strive for zero maternal deaths in our health facilities — Mahama

First Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme In Africa Launched at UHAS

Mahama inaugurates committee to oversee Medical School integration, unveils vision for Ghana’s first “medical village

‘Prevention is essential, but empowerment is the key’ — Mahama urges youth-led action on rising HIV cases

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Editors Picks

Excessive BoG intervention fueling multiple exchange rates — Prof. Bokpin 

July 9, 2025

External gains push Ghana’s reserves far beyond IMF expectations

July 9, 2025

Ghana’s international reserves hit 6 months of import cover, highest in the last 15 years – Mahama

July 9, 2025

TT Brothers launches Uncle T sweet wines

July 9, 2025
Latest Posts

Complacency exposes Africa to cybercrime

July 8, 2025

How 25 Nigerians were trafficked to Ghana, forced into large scale fraudulent activities from their Dodowa hideout

July 8, 2025

AI Training, SIM reforms and internet upgrades

July 3, 2025

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news

Subscribe my Newsletter for New Posts & tips Let's stay updated!

Welcome to JohnMahama.news, your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and updates about the President of Ghana, government policies, and the nation at large. Our mission is to provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive coverage of all things related to the leadership of Ghana, as well as key national issues that impact citizens and communities across the country.

Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news

Subscribe my Newsletter for New Posts & tips Let's stay updated!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • DMCA
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
© 2025 johnmahama. Designed by johnmahama.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.