After His Participation in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany Dr. Ahmed Sherif: Female Genital Mutilation Is a Health, Social, and Economic Crisis That Requires Immediate Action

Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt following his participation in the GAERID Conference held in Cologne, Germany, where his lecture on the health, social, and economic consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) received significant attention. Images of the fully packed conference hall circulated widely, reflecting the strong engagement of international attendees with the data and analysis he presented.

During his lecture, Dr. Sherif emphasized that the impact of his presentation stemmed from the clarity of the statistics and transparency of the discussion. According to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM — a number that continues to rise with global population growth. This makes FGM a global public health and economic challenge, not merely a cultural issue.

Egypt Among the Highest Countries in FGM Prevalence

Addressing the situation in Egypt, Dr. Sherif noted that the country remains among those with the highest prevalence rates, with approximately 87% of women aged 15–49 having undergone FGM. While there has been a slight increase in the age at which the procedure is performed, overall numbers continue to grow due to population expansion.

He also highlighted a dangerous trend: FGM is increasingly being performed in medical clinics by healthcare personnel, giving the practice a false sense of legitimacy while significantly increasing its long-term health risks and economic burden on the state.

Massive Economic Losses

Dr. Sherif revealed that the economic cost of treating FGM complications in Egypt reaches nearly $20 billion over the lifetime of each affected woman. This includes approximately $14 billion for gynecological and urinary complications and $6 billion related to childbirth and obstetric issues.

He further explained that chronic pain and psychological trauma resulting from FGM reduce women’s ability to work and be productive, leading to losses at the household, community, and national economic levels.

Europe Also Bears the Cost

Although FGM prevalence in Europe is less than 1%, Dr. Sherif pointed out that the annual cost of medical care, psychological support, and social services for affected women ranges between €1–2 billion, while the global annual cost is estimated at $1.4 billion. These figures demonstrate that the consequences of FGM extend far beyond borders and highlight the importance of prevention through education and awareness.

IAAUG: Practical Action on the Ground

Dr. Sherif also discussed the role of the International Association of Aesthetic Urogynecology (IAAUG), which he co-founded with Dr. Doaa Saleh, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The organization focuses on treating FGM complications and training physicians using evidence-based medical approaches.

To date, IAAUG has trained over 2,500 doctors and provided 200 fully funded reconstructive surgeries for affected women and girls. The association operates on a simple principle

“For every doctor trained, two women receive free treatment.”

Growing International Awareness

Explaining the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference, Dr. Sherif stated that the global community is increasingly recognizing FGM as a continuous social and economic drain, not merely a cultural practice. He confirmed that international and European institutions have shown genuine interest in collaborative solutions through education, training, and cross-border initiatives, and that IAAUG is prepared to operate in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

A Clear Message

Dr. Ahmed Sherif concluded with a powerful message

“Female genital mutilation is not only a women’s issue — it is a national, economic, and future-oriented issue. 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.”

He confirmed that all data and statistics presented are based on reliable international sources, including UNICEF 2024 reports, World Health Organization (WHO) publications, and peer-reviewed studies in global health and development economics.

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 Business Diploma from Cairo University. He is the CEO of Alpha Centauri, a company specializing in medical marketing and conference organization, and the co-founder of IAAUG, a leading international body dedicated to physician training and the treatment of FGM complications.