The World Health Organisation (WHO) has appointed US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba as co-chairs of an international commission to address the issue of loneliness. Loneliness is a global health threat that is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The commission will work towards outlining solutions over a three-year period to build social connections and establish social connections as a global health priority. Loneliness affects all age groups worldwide, not just older people in high-income countries.The World Health Organisation (WHO) has appointed US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba as co-chairs of an international commission to address the issue of loneliness. Loneliness is a global health threat that is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The commission will work towards outlining solutions over a three-year period to build social connections and establish social connections as a global health priority. Loneliness affects all age groups worldwide, not just older people in high-income countries.