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Dr. Ahmed Sherif: Female Genital Mutilation Is a Health, Social, and Economic Crisis Requiring Urgent Action

Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt following his participation in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany, where his lecture on the health, social, and economic impacts of female genital mutilation (FGM) received wide attention. Photos of the packed conference hall reflected the strong engagement with the data and facts he presented while addressing this global phenomenon.

During his lecture, Sherif explained that more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, according to UNICEF reports—a number that continues to rise with population growth, making FGM a global challenge affecting public health and national economies.

Egypt Among the Highest-Prevalence Countries

Sherif noted that Egypt remains among the countries with the highest prevalence rates, with approximately 87% of women aged 15–49 having undergone FGM. Despite a slight decline in the average age at which the procedure is performed, the total number continues to increase. He also pointed out that the practice is no longer limited to traditional settings, as it is sometimes carried out in medical clinics, giving it a false “medical” appearance despite its growing complications and long-term consequences.

Enormous Economic Losses

Sherif highlighted the staggering cost of FGM complications in Egypt, explaining that the state spends nearly $20 billion over the lifetime of each affected woman—including $14 billion for gynecological and urinary tract conditions and $6 billion for childbirth-related complications. He emphasized that chronic pain and psychological trauma reduce women’s productivity and ability to work, directly impacting families, communities, and the national economy.

Europe Also Pays the Price

Although the prevalence of FGM in Europe is less than 1%, the cost of medical care and psychological and social support for affected women reaches €1–2 billion annually, while the global cost is estimated at $1.4 billion per year. Sherif stressed that these figures prove the issue is a shared responsibility and that investment in awareness and education is the most effective solution.

IAAUG: Action on the Ground

Sherif discussed the role of the International Association of Aesthetic and Urogynecological Surgery (IAAUG), which he co-founded with Dr. Doaa Saleh, noting that it has become a global reference for treating FGM complications. To date, the organization has trained over 2,500 doctors and provided 200 fully free surgeries for women and girls, based on a model of “for every doctor trained, two free treatments,” ensuring direct and lasting impact.

Growing International Attention

Regarding the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference, Sherif affirmed that international awareness is increasing, with FGM now recognized not merely as a cultural practice but as a continuous social and economic drain. He highlighted a genuine willingness among European and international institutions to collaborate, confirming that the organization is ready to operate anywhere—Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.

He concluded with a clear message

“FGM is not only a women’s issue—it is an issue of nation, economy, and future. Every girl we protect is a step forward, and every doctor we train is a new light reducing this practice. As the Germans say: Gemeinsam sind wir stark — Together we are stronger.”

Sherif emphasized that all figures presented are based on recent UNICEF 2024 reports, World Health Organization (WHO) data, and international economic studies on the health and developmental impacts of FGM, aiming to provide a transparent and accurate picture for policymakers and the public.

About Dr. Ahmed Sherif

Dr. Ahmed Sherif holds an Honorary Doctorate in Marketing and Business Administration from Lancaster Academy (UK), along with an MBA and a Diploma in Business Administration from Cairo University. He is the CEO of Alpha Centauri, specializing in medical marketing and conference organization, and the co-founder of IAAUG, a leading organization in training physicians and treating complications of female genital mutilation.