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WHO says loneliness causes nearly 100 deaths every hour globally
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Young people and low-income nations face the highest risks
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Sweden praised for leading global strategy against social isolation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a silent but deadly health crisis loneliness which it says is claiming over 871,000 lives annually, translating to almost 100 deaths every hour.
A new report released by the WHO Commission on Social Connection found that one in six people globally now suffer from chronic loneliness, with far-reaching impacts on both mental and physical health.
According to the report, those suffering from prolonged social isolation face significantly increased risks of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
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Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair of the Commission and former U.S. Surgeon General, explained that loneliness is “a painful, subjective feeling that many experience when the relationships they need do not match the relationships they have.”
In contrast, social isolation is defined as an objective state of having few social contacts or interactions. Both conditions, the report warns, are deadly.
The report highlights how technology, while offering new modes of connection, is also contributing to deeper disconnection. “Places and spaces in life where we can interact face-to-face without the distraction of screens are essential,” Murthy stated.
He warned that over-reliance on smartphones and social media is replacing meaningful communication with shallow digital exchanges, eroding vital cues like body language, tone, and silence.
The WHO identifies young people and those in low-income countries as the most affected. An estimated 17–21% of people aged 13 to 29 report feeling lonely, with teenagers being the most vulnerable group.
In poorer nations, 24% of the population experiences loneliness more than double the rate in high-income countries.
The crisis disproportionately affects refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living with disabilities.
Beyond health, the effects are visible in education and employment. The WHO report notes that lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to perform poorly in school, while adults struggling with loneliness often face job insecurity or prolonged unemployment.
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In a rare global commendation, the WHO praised Sweden for launching a bold national response. According to Sweden’s Social Minister, Jakob Forssmed, the country has introduced a multi-level strategy that includes leisure cards for group youth activities, a mobile phone ban in public schools, and reviving community spaces such as neighbourhood clubs and libraries.
The aim, Forssmed said, is to rebuild genuine human interaction — and early results show better sleep patterns and reduced screen dependence among Swedish children.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on world governments to treat loneliness as a public health emergency, urging policymakers to integrate social connection strategies into national health, education, and urban planning systems.
The Commission’s roadmap outlines practical solutions such as redesigning public spaces, encouraging civic engagement, updating workplace policies, and investing in mental health infrastructure.
“Despite endless possibilities to connect, more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” Dr Tedros warned.
