Commissioner Chido Mpemba
By Reginald Tapfumaneyi
World Health Organization (WHO) has virtually launched its Commission on Social Connection which will have its Secretariat housed at the UN headquarters in Switzerland.
The Commission aims to see Social Connection recognised and resourced as a global public health priority.
WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyusus, appointed the Commission set to run under a 3 year term (2024-2026) with members drawn from various institutions.
Commissioner Chido Mpemba and Dr Vivek Murthy will co-chair the Commission.
Commissioner Mpemba is the youngest co-chair in a WHO Commission and currently the youngest diplomat in the African Union Chairperson’s cabinet while Dr Vivek Murthy is currently serving as the 21st Surgeon General of the U.S state Department. He served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Obama administration.
Speaking during the E-launch, The Co-Chair; Commissioner Mpemba said that Social isolation knows no age boundaries, impacting 1 in 4 older individuals globally and 5-15% of adolescents.
“As the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy, I’ve seen this at firsthand how young people, the innovators of our society have grappled with the lack of social connection. Despite increased digital activity, some have turned to online platforms to alleviate disconnection, revealing a complex interplay between technology and genuine human connection,” said The Commissioner.
She also noted that in continents such as Africa, where the majority of the population comprises young people facing multiple challenges – from displacement to unemployment, the struggle to remain socially connected intensifies. Digital spaces, while offering refuge for some, also present limitations on authentic human connectedness, highlighting the intricate relationship between social ties and societal well-being.
“Let us translate Ubuntu into action globally, connecting more, bridging gaps, and eliminating loneliness to cultivate meaningful social ties. The time has come to harness the power of connection for comprehensive well-being. I am honored to be part of a Commission dedicated to delivering global solutions for social connection as a catalyst for development,” she emphasized.
Below is the full list of Commissioners
Vivek Murthy (co-Chair), Surgeon General, United States
Chido Mpemba (co-Chair), Youth Envoy, African Union Commission
Ayuko Kato, Minister in charge of measures for Loneliness and Isolation, Japan
Khalid Ait Taleb, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Morocco
Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Health and Social Affairs,Sweden
Ximena Aguilera Sanhueza, Minister of Health, Chile
Cleopa Mailu, Permanent Representative to the UN, Kenya
Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change, Vanuatu
Haben Girma, Deaf Blind Advocate and Activist, United States
Hina Jilani, Elder and Human Rights Lawyer, Pakistan
Karen Desalvo, Chief Health Officer, Google, United States
