One in six people is lonely. In this episode, we unpack loneliness as a profound form of social pain, one that can affect our bodies as much as our minds. The conversation explores what it really means to feel lonely, even with a packed calendar or people all around us, and why that disconnection can have serious consequences for health. Alana Officer highlights why social connection is crucial to our wellbeing, and the practical solutions that can help prevent people from being pushed into exclusion, distress, or declining mental health.

In this episode of Off the Record, Dr Gaya Gamhewage, WHO's Acting director of Communications, explores the complex information ecosystem that shapes how people make health decisions. She highlights the importance of people-centred communication and the beliefs and values that influence how communities understand, trust, and act on health information. Drawing on her extensive experience at WHO, she shares practical insights on building trust, navigating challenging humanitarian contexts, and advancing Health for All—no matter the stakes.