Welcome to ONLiNE UPSC

Addressing Loneliness: The New WHO Panel's Mission

A Global Health Initiative to Combat Loneliness

Addressing Loneliness: The New WHO Panel's Mission

  • 30 Nov, 2023
  • 261

Understanding the WHO Panel's Focus on Loneliness

The newly established WHO panel is dedicated to tackling the pressing global health concern of loneliness. This issue has been recognized as a significant health threat, comparable to the risks associated with smoking 15 cigarettes daily.

Leadership of the Panel

Leading this initiative are US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Chido Mpemba, the African Union youth envoy, who serve as co-chairs of the commission. Their leadership aims to bring attention to loneliness as a critical public health issue.

Health Risks Linked to Loneliness

Loneliness is not merely an emotional state; it has profound implications for physical and mental health. Research indicates that loneliness can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and various other health issues.

Timeline for Action

The WHO panel has set a timeline of three years to outline a comprehensive action plan aimed at combating loneliness. The focus of this plan will be on enhancing social bonds and promoting community connectedness.

Impact on Global Health

By prioritizing social connections as a key aspect of global health, the panel's work is expected to foster and disseminate effective interventions. These interventions will aim to alleviate loneliness and its associated health consequences on a worldwide scale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main focus of the WHO panel on loneliness?
Answer: The WHO panel focuses on addressing loneliness as a global health threat, comparable to the risks of smoking, by promoting social connectivity.

Q2. Who are the co-chairs of the WHO panel?
Answer: The panel is co-chaired by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba, aiming to lead efforts against loneliness.

Q3. What health risks are associated with loneliness?
Answer: Loneliness is linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and other serious mental and physical health conditions.

Q4. What is the timeline for the panel's action plan?
Answer: The WHO panel aims to develop a three-year action plan focused on solutions to combat loneliness and strengthen social bonds.

Q5. How will the panel's work impact global health?
Answer: The panel's efforts will prioritize social connections, leading to interventions that can help reduce loneliness and improve health outcomes worldwide.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Who are the co-chairs of the WHO panel on loneliness?
A) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
B) Vivek Murthy and Chido Mpemba
C) Anthony Fauci and Chido Mpemba
D) Vivek Murthy and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is a significant health risk associated with loneliness?
A) Improved social skills
B) Increased risk of heart disease
C) Enhanced mental clarity
D) Better physical fitness
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How long is the timeline for the WHO panel's action plan on loneliness?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is the primary goal of the WHO panel on loneliness?
A) To eliminate smoking
B) To promote social connectivity
C) To increase physical activity
D) To develop new medical technologies
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which health issue is loneliness comparable to, according to the WHO panel?
A) Obesity
B) Smoking 15 cigarettes a day
C) Alcohol consumption
D) Sedentary lifestyle
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What type of health issues can loneliness lead to?
A) Only mental health issues
B) Only physical health issues
C) Both mental and physical health issues
D) No significant health issues
Correct Answer: C

Question 7: What is a focus of the WHO panel's solutions for loneliness?
A) Enhancing social bonds
B) Reducing healthcare costs
C) Developing new medications
D) Increasing government funding
Correct Answer: A

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Kutos : AI Assistant!
Addressing Loneliness: The New WHO Panel's Mission
Ask your questions below - no hesitation, I am here to support your learning.
View All
Subscription successful!