In a rare moment for the World Health Assembly, delegates expanded their debates beyond the usual lexicon of disease pathogens to address something far more intimate: loneliness. 

The Assembly approved a first-ever resolution on Fostering social connection for global health:  the essential role of social connection in combating loneliness, social isolation and inequities in health, which aims to put the issue of social connection more squarely on the global health agenda – not as an afterthought or adjunct to mental health policy, but as a standalone priority. 

Co-sponsored by Spain and Chile, the measure calls attention to the growing global crisis of loneliness and social isolation, which are impacting health the world over, and significantly increasing the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease, depression, and dementia. It urges member states to integrate strategies that foster meaningful social connections into national health policies, strengthen data collection, and promote public awareness. 

The resolution also highlights the disproportionate impact of social disconnection on vulnerable populations and the need for inclusive, cross-sectoral efforts—including digital technologies—to build more connected and resilient communities.

Approved by WHA delegates with very broad backing, the resolution frames social disconnection not just as a symptom of modern life, but as a concrete driver of physical and mental distress and illness.

Increasing risk of dementia, stroke and CVD 

“Today marks the first time social connection has been formally considered at the WHA,” said Ailan Li, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, Healthier Populations at the WHO, the division responsible for mental health. “This marks a crucial step in reframing how we understand mental and social wellbeing as central to health systems.”

For the WHO, the recognition of social connection is strategic. COVID-19 laid bare the consequences of disconnection. Following the pandemic, countries from the United Kingdom and Kenya began to address loneliness as a health risk factor, one that leads to more illness, worsens health outcomes and thus inflates health system costs.

“Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of dementia, stroke, cardiovascular disease and premature death,” noted Saima Wazed, WHO’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia. “Until recently, these were largely overlooked. We are heartened [that] this is now changing.”

Beyond the pandemic, a range of long term trends have fostered social isolation, a report by the Director General notes, including: the sustained popularity of remote work and social media; the decline of extended family structures and the rise of single-occupancy households; increased motorized mobility that reduces street interactions; and a decline in religious practices in many countries.

Connecting people on streets, in schools and workplaces

Effectively, the resolution calls on governments to integrate policies that promote social inclusion, through a wide range of approaches. For instance, urban planning strategies can foster   more community and street interactions; education and workplace reforms can also support more social connectivity, as well as community mental health services that are accessible before problems become too severe.

The resolution urges WHO to provide technical assistance, coordinate research and develop guidelines for member states.

Conflict, displacement and natural disaster also tear apart social networks

Delegates from Burkina Faso, Palestine, Vanuatu and others detailed how conflict, displacement and natural disasters also tear at the fabric of social networks, leaving people vulnerable to mental illness and neglect.

“Millions in Palestine are in need of mental health care and support,” said Palestine’s delegate, referring to the conflict in Gaza where the trauma of conflict, injury and death has been accompanied by the repeated forced displacement of communities and families, tearing social networks apart. 

The delegate from Burkina Faso highlighted the mental health fallout of terrorism and displacement, while Haiti cited the psychological strain caused by the current atmosphere of political instability, gang violence, and related displacement, not to mention the legacy of natural disasters like the 2010 earthquake. Vanuatu’s delegate connected social isolation to climate-related challenges like sea-level rise and loss of cultural sites. 

Thai happiness scale and other social experimentation

Social disconnection isn’t just a problem in low-income or war-torn countries. The UK delegate described how the country launched a loneliness strategy in 2018.

Elsewhere, countries pointed to policy experimentation. Ireland described its media campaign targeting loneliness in older adults. Japan outlined its new national plan to counter isolation, including creating more spaces that foster community interaction and making it easier for people to seek support. Australia shared details of a national wellbeing framework that tracks indicators such as social connection. The delegate from Thailand, which has ranked seventh on a global happiness index, told the committee that the country has introduced a national “Happiness Scale,” which it plans to integrate into its national health surveys.

In Mexico, officials mentioned the ongoing integration of social health services with primary care and involving community structures to build social resilience. Kenya said it has launched workplace wellness policies and peer support networks, while Uruguay is collecting loneliness data to guide targeted interventions.

Youth delegates from Germany, Lithuania, Estonia and beyond also highlighted the need for the right policies for the young demographics. 

“We cannot expect children and youth to tackle addictive technologies on their own,” said Slovenia’s youth delegate. “We need policy changes that protect real-world social bonds.” This echoed the session’s focus on growing concerns that digital dependence is reshaping human interaction, especially among the young. Delegates noted that screen time, remote work, and social media algorithms may be increasing feelings of isolation.

Measuring a quiet emergency 

There was also a debate on how to measure what is often invisible. Countries called for better data collection tools and evidence-based policy guidelines. Some warned that without concrete indicators, efforts risk drifting into well-meaning rhetoric. “Measuring loneliness is not as straightforward as counting hospital beds or immunization rates,” said one delegate. “But we have to start somewhere.” 

WHO’s new Commission on Social Connection, formed in 2024, has a three-year mandate to study the issue and support national strategies. Its goals include building a global evidence base and creating practical toolkits for governments.

Meanwhile, some countries are embedding social connection into universal health coverage plans. Others are tying it to climate resilience, school health, or anti-poverty programs. Brazil emphasized the importance of recognizing inequalities in how loneliness is experienced, noting that marginalized populations such as incarcerated individuals, indigenous communities, and elderly women often face the highest risks.

 “Loneliness is not experienced the same way by all. Inequality determines who suffers most,” Brazil’s delegate said

Shared struggle 

Rich or poor, during peace and in times of war, what the WHA session highlighted is that social isolation is a shared struggle — and potentially a unifying one. 

And the WHA resolution is only a starting point. Implementing it requires political will, funding, and cross-sector partnerships.

While the Assembly may have elevated the conversation, delegates noted that the work ahead lies in city councils, health ministries and local communities. There is also the reality that social connection policies will have to compete for funding with traditional health priorities.

Member States also raised the issue of stigma, both around mental health and around admitting to loneliness. Several delegates advocated for public awareness campaigns to normalize conversations about social wellbeing. Others suggested that policies like “social prescriptions” where doctors refer patients to community activities, could help bridge the gap between clinical care and social engagement.

Looking ahead, some countries signaled plans to pilot new programs, drawing on lessons from the WHA session. The Philippines, for example, highlighted its integration of psychosocial support in emergency response. India mentioned its Elderline initiative, which offers social and mental support to older citizens. 

Going forward, a formal WHO report is expected in the coming year. Meanwhile, civil society organizations called for governments to involve communities in designing programs that promote connection.

“Social connection is everyone’s business,” said Li, echoing the concerns raised by youth leaders. “And the need for teachers, employers, faith leaders, and urban planners to take this seriously.”

Image Credits: Brett L/Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0., Sergio Calleja/Flickr , Wikimedia/Pizzalover6, Adam Jones/Flickr.