Rising levels of loneliness and social isolation are posing a growing threat to public health, warns the World Health Organization (WHO).

Beyond their impact on mental well-being, a lack of social connection is associated with a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease and stroke, while also increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and suicide.

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The world health agency defines social connection as the ways people relate to and interact with others. Loneliness is described as the painful feeling that arises from a gap between the social connections a person desires and those they actually have. Social isolation, on the other hand, refers to the objective lack of sufficient social connections.

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According to Dr Gerald Urimubenshi, a cardiovascular sciences expert and senior lecturer at University of Rwanda, prolonged loneliness and social isolation can trigger chronic stress, increasing the body&039;s production of stress hormones that are harmful to the cardiovascular system.

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"These stress hormones increase blood pressure and trigger inflammatory responses that damage blood vessels. High blood pressure and damaged blood vessels are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke," he said, adding that social isolation can also encourage unhealthy behaviours that increase cardiovascular risk. For example, people who are socially isolated are more likely to smoke, drink heavily, and be physically inactive – all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

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Although Rwanda does not yet have studies measuring the extent of loneliness and social isolation, Urimubenshi said there is no reason to believe the country is exempt from the problem.

"The scientific evidence is clear worldwide, and it is happening in Rwanda as well. Anyone who is disconnected from family or the community is likely to face similar risks, although we still need local studies to determine the actual prevalence of the problem," he said.

According to WHO, between 17 and 21 percent of people aged 13 to 29 report feeling lonely, with the highest rates among teenagers. About 24 percent of people in low-income countries report feeling lonely, compared with about 11 percent in high-income countries. Chronic loneliness affects one in six people globally and contributes to more than 871,000 deaths each year.

Urimubenshi said strong social connections support both mental and physical well-being by helping people cope with stress and maintain healthier lifestyles.

"When people stay connected with family, friends, and the community, they are less likely to experience prolonged stress. Social interactions encourage activities such as sports and other forms of physical exercise, which are beneficial for heart health," he said.

He encouraged people to stay connected with family and friends while maintaining healthy habits and going for regular medical check-ups.

The health expert urged people to adopt healthy habits, including regular physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding harmful behaviours such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

He added that people should undergo regular health check-ups, as some cardiovascular conditions develop without obvious symptoms and can be treated more effectively when detected early.

Loneliness can also affect mental health. WHO warns that prolonged isolation can lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health crises.

Jane Gatete Abatoni, the Executive Secretary of ARCT-Ruhuka, an association of trauma counsellors, said loneliness is a common human experience. Sometimes, it is a conscious choice to withdraw and reflect, but when it persists for too long, it begins to take a heavy emotional toll.

She said that when someone constantly feels sad, cries frequently, or has a persistent sense that something is missing, loneliness may have become harmful.

Abatoni said spending time with others and participating in community activities can help ease loneliness, but they cannot replace the support of a trained professional when emotional distress becomes overwhelming.

"A therapist helps you understand the root cause of that emptiness. Together, you find ways to cope. It&039;s not a weakness to ask for help; it's a strength. Social rituals create a sense of rhythm and reliability in relationships," she said.

The mental health expert said regular, low-pressure interactions – such as a weekly phone call, walk, or coffee catch-up – help people feel emotionally supported.

According to Abatoni, reconnecting with activities that bring joy, even when done alone, is also important. She said practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help people process their emotions.

She encouraged people to reflect on what they are experiencing emotionally, saying meditation can help them acknowledge those feelings without becoming overwhelmed.