Social isolation as a driver of poor mental health was discussed for the first time at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) executive board meeting (EB) on Wednesday.

Several member states called for WHO guidance on addressing loneliness and social isolation, and for measures to combat these to be included in the body’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan.

“This is a historical discussion as a social connection is being addressed at this executive board for the first time,” said Ailan Li, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Healthier Populations.

“We are working to strengthen data and metrics on social isolation. The available evidence already shows the impacts on health and also the economy,” said Li, adding that more evidence was still needed.

“We are continuing to work together to expand the evidence base. This will allow us to develop metrics to monitor our progress while exercising our financial wisdom and efficiency as required by the current difficult situation.”

The WHO Commission and technical advisory group on social connection will launch its report later in the year.

This “will provide more evidence and recommendations for action, including developing evidence-based policy, implementing tailored country support based on the culture and social context and promoting partnerships,” said Li.

The WHO Director-General’s report on mental health and social connection maps the extent of the problem, noting that a quarter of older people and at least one in six adolescents are socially isolated or lonely.

“Lack of social connection poses serious health risks, and is associated with a 14–32% higher risk of mortality, akin to other known risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity and air pollution,” notes the report.

“It has a serious impact on physical health, increasing the risk of stroke by 32% and cardiovascular disease by 29%… and is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide. Moreover, 5% of global dementia risk is attributable to social isolation.”

NCD High-Level Meeting

Much of the discussion at the EB on Wednesday focused on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in preparation for the United Nations High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs in September.

This is the fourth HLM on the issue yet “underinvestment in health services has created a significant gap in care and support for people affected by NCDs and mental health conditions,” according to a report from the WHO Director-General to the EB.

“Targeted investments are needed to reorient health systems towards primary health care as the foundation for universal health coverage and health security, with a focus on NCDs and mental health,” it adds.

The WHO has “launched multistakeholder engagement activities, including global and regional consultations, briefings and other processes” to encourage input from stakeholders in preparation for the HLM.

“The fourth high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs provides an opportunity to adopt a new, ambitious and achievable political declaration on NCDs, based on evidence and grounded in human rights, to accelerate the global NCD response beyond 2025,” the report notes.

During the discussion, there was significant support for resolutions on a dedicated cervical cancer elimination day (proposed by South Africa) and kidney health (from Guatemala).

However, in view of the funding crunch caused by the withdrawal of the United States, the EB is considering pausing new resolutions pending their costing. A report from the WHO to the EB notes on Tuesday notes that the board is discussing 19 new resolutions that all have funding implications.

Germany has been particularly insistent the financial implications of every new action needs to be worked out but several member states have not let that dampen their enthusiasm for new activities.