Today, we're diving into a landmark report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection, titled 'From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies'. This crucial report highlights that loneliness and social isolation are urgent global public health challenges, impacting individuals across all ages and backgrounds in every region.

The findings are stark: nearly one in six people worldwide experienced loneliness between 2014 and 2023, and it's estimated to cause about 871,000 deaths annually. The report makes it clear that social disconnection has severe, under-recognized consequences for mortality, physical and mental health, well-being, education, the economy, and wider society.

However, this isn't just a wake-up call; it's also a roadmap for progress. The report asserts that effective strategies to foster social connection exist and must be scaled up. It proposes a comprehensive way forward across five strategic areas: policy, research, interventions, measurement and data, and engagement, aiming to transform lives and build healthier, more resilient societies.