EU Statement - WHA78 - Item 13.2 – Mental Health and Social Connection

European Union Statement  WHO 78 th World Health Assembly(19 May – 27 May 2025)________ Item 13.2 – Mental Health and Social Connection________   Geneva, 23 May 2025  WHO 78 th World Health Assembly Item 2: General Debate EU Statement   Chair,Director General,Excellencies,Colleagues, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the EU and its 27 Member States. The candidate countries Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina[*] and Georgia as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement. Mental health is a vital, interdependent dimension of human well-being. Yet, social connection – essential for health – has long been overlooked as a public health priority. The European Union welcomes the DG’s report and strongly supports its call to tackle loneliness and social isolation as key health determinants. The evidence is clear: loneliness and social isolation increases the risk of mortality, mental health conditions, dementia, and chronic diseases. It affects education outcomes, workplace productivity, and societal resilience. These challenges were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and are further shaped by demographic, technological, economic and social changes, as well as health emergencies. Action is urgent. Developing shared and collaborative approaches to promoting mental health, tackling social isolation and addressing the social determinants of mental health are necessary. They are relevant to all...