Chronic wounds are becoming a growing health crisis that Europe can no longer overlook. An estimated 7,4 to 14,9 million people across Europe are affected, and the impact on patients, caregivers, and health systems is growing every year. Despite their prevalence and severity, chronic wounds are still not treated as a major health priority, and this has real consequences. Diabetic foot ulcers alone carry a five-year mortality rate comparable to some cancers.
Rising cost and strain on wound care
Caring for chronic wounds is expensive and resource‑intensive. It can account for up to 4% of healthcare spending, driven by long treatment times, hospital stays, complications, and staff shortages. Care is often fragmented, and many healthcare professionals lack the training or tools they need. This contributes to delays in care, leaving vulnerable populations underserved, and to uneven care quality across Europe.
The need for coordinated actions
To address these challenges, coordinated action is needed across policymakers, clinicians, payers, patient organisations, and industry. This includes:
- Making chronic wound care a strategic priority
- Strengthening education and optimising workforce capacity
- Aligning reimbursement and procurement with value and outcomes
- Accelerating innovation and scaling real‑world evidence
By bringing these approaches together, Europe can transform wound care into a more equitable, sustainable, and patient‑centred part of the health system—one that improves outcomes, reduces disparities, and strengthens resilience for the future.
