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Minister Ait Taleb Presides Over Geneva Meeting on Social Isolation's Public Health Impact

Minister Ait Taleb Presides Over Geneva Meeting on Social Isolation's Public Health Impact
Monday 27 May 2024 - 16:40
Zoom

Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khaled Ait Taleb, assumed a prominent role at a high-level working session in Geneva on Monday, focusing on the profound effects of social isolation on public health.

The session, organized by the United States' Permanent Mission to Geneva in collaboration with member states represented on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Commission on Social Connection, provided a platform for Ait Taleb to highlight the crucial importance of promoting social cohesion and its pivotal role in supporting the well-being of individuals and communities.

Addressing the escalating global challenges posed by social isolation, the minister emphasized, "Social isolation represents a significant risk to both mental and physical health, directly impacting individuals' quality of life."

He further explained that this threat is compounded by demographic and social shifts, including an aging population, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the double-edged sword of technological advancements that can contribute to heightened isolation.

Referring to research findings, Ait Taleb stressed that social isolation and loneliness are health risk factors akin to chronic conditions like diabetes, air pollution, and smoking. He highlighted the WHO's recognition of the crucial role of social environments in promoting public health, as social connection is one of the primary pillars alongside physical and mental well-being.

In a significant announcement, the minister disclosed that the Kingdom of Morocco will host the second in-person meeting of the WHO Commission on Social Connection in September. This event, he added, will mark a significant milestone in global efforts to combat social isolation and promote overall well-being.

Ait Taleb is leading the Moroccan delegation at the 77th World Health Assembly, which commenced on Monday and will continue its proceedings until June 1st under the theme "A World Mobilized for Health, Health for All."

As the global community grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by social isolation, Morocco's leadership in hosting this pivotal meeting underscores its commitment to addressing this pressing public health concern. By fostering dialogue and collective action, such initiatives hold the potential to shape policies and strategies that can strengthen social bonds, enhance mental well-being, and ultimately contribute to a healthier, more connected world.


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