The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness as a pressing global health threat.<br />'' <br />''The WHO also launched an international commission on the problem, led by the US surgeon general, Dr Vivek Murthy. The commission will run for three years.<br />'' <br />''Dr Murthy said that the mortality effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. He said, the rate of 'one in four' older people experiencing social isolation is similar in all regions of the world.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">It comes after the Covid-19 pandemic halted economic and social activity, increasing levels of loneliness, but also amid rising awareness of the importance of the issue. </span><br />