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Loneliness increases risk of stroke, others —kills over 100 every hour
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A World Health Organisation (WHO) report has linked loneliness to over 100 deaths every hour, totalling more than 871,000 global fatalities each year.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection revealed in its report that one in six people globally experience loneliness, with significant consequences for physical and mental health, well-being, and economic productivity.
WHO defines social connection as the ways people interact with others; loneliness as the painful feeling resulting from a gap between desired and actual connections; and social isolation as a lack of sufficient social ties.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, noted that despite the limitless opportunities for connection in today’s world, increasing numbers of people feel isolated and alone.
He warned that beyond individual impacts, unaddressed loneliness and social isolation could cost societies billions through health care, education, and employment losses.
The report highlights that loneliness affects people of all ages, particularly youth and those in low- and middle-income countries.
Among individuals aged 13–29, between 17–21 per cent reported feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers.
In low-income countries, about 24 per cent reported loneliness—double the 11 per cent in high-income countries.
She stressed that policies must embed social connection across sectors such as digital access, health, education, and employment.
Ms Mpemba noted that the root causes of loneliness and isolation were varied, including poor health, low income, limited education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, weak public policy, and digital influences.
The report also cautions about the mental health risks associated with excessive screen time and negative online experiences, particularly for youth.
It further outlines the health and economic consequences: social connection reduces inflammation, supports mental health, lowers the risk of major diseases, and can prevent premature death.
It also enhances community safety and prosperity. In contrast, loneliness and isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, and early mortality.
At the societal level, the report indicated that loneliness weakened social cohesion and incurred high costs in lost productivity and health care.
It said communities with strong social ties tended to be more resilient and responsive to crises.
Moreover, the WHO affirmed that solutions existed at national, community, and individual levels—from awareness campaigns and policy reforms to building inclusive social infrastructure such as parks, libraries, and community centres, alongside mental health support.
It called on individuals to act—check in on a friend, be fully engaged in conversations without digital distractions, connect with neighbours, participate in community groups, or offer their time through volunteering. —GNA
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has commissioned an expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa to improve access to kidney treatment for people in northern Ghana.
The project, estimated to cost about GH¢4 million, was undertaken in partnership with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and other development partners.
The new facility was inaugurated on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Wa. It adds six dialysis machines, supporting equipment and staff training to strengthen renal care services at the hospital.
According to the Parliamentary Service, the expansion is expected to reduce the burden on patients with chronic kidney disease who previously travelled long distances to Accra, Kumasi and other major cities for dialysis treatment.
Commissioning the facility, Mr Bagbin described the project as an important investment in healthcare equity and social justice.
He noted that many families in the Upper West Region struggle to access specialist kidney care because of distance and cost.
“The people of the Upper West deserve to live with dignity. We deserve access to quality healthcare,” he stated, adding that the facility would bring treatment closer to patients and their families.
He commended SHEILD and the other partners for supporting the project and called for continued collaboration to improve specialist healthcare services across the country.
Board Director of SHEILD, Dr Sylvie Anie, indicated that the organisation remained committed to addressing critical healthcare gaps through sustainable interventions.
She explained that the expanded dialysis unit represented hope for patients who had struggled for years to obtain specialised kidney treatment.
Another Board Director of SHEILD, Dr John Nkrumah Mills, stressed that sustainable healthcare required investment in people, systems, partnerships and continuous capacity building.
He noted that the project demonstrated what could be achieved when institutions worked together to improve patient care.
Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr Philip K. K. Baabiineh, stated that the expanded unit would significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive renal care.
He observed that many patients previously had limited treatment options and often travelled under difficult conditions to receive dialysis.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, described the project as consistent with government’s efforts to expand specialist healthcare services and reduce regional disparities in access to treatment.
He encouraged stronger partnerships between government, private organisations, development partners and healthcare institutions to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
The Parliamentary Service stated that chronic kidney disease was becoming a major public health challenge in Ghana, driven by increasing cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and late diagnosis.
It noted that access to dialysis services remained uneven, with most treatment centres concentrated in Accra and Kumasi, while many patients in northern Ghana faced high transport costs and long waiting times.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations and community representatives.
By: Jacob Aggrey
