Dr. Ahmed Sherif Returns to Egypt After GAERID Conference in Cologne, Highlighting the Economic and Social Impact of Female Genital Mutilation

Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt following his participation in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany, where his lecture on the social and economic consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) drew significant attention. Images of the packed conference hall, filled with attendees closely following his presentation, quickly spread, reflecting the strong engagement with the topic.

Clear Data and Honest Numbers Spark Global Interest

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong resonance of his lecture stemmed from the clarity of the data and the directness in presenting it. According to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM—a staggering figure that continues to rise with global population growth. This reality makes FGM a global public health and economic challenge, not a localized or cultural issue.

Egypt Among the Highest-Risk Countries

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. Although there has been a slight improvement in the age at which the practice occurs, the total number of affected women continues to increase due to population growth.

He also warned that FGM is no longer limited to traditional settings. In some cases, it is now performed in medical clinics by healthcare professionals, giving the procedure a misleading medical appearance while increasing its risks and financial burden on the state.

The Enormous Economic Cost of FGM

From an economic perspective, Dr. Sherif highlighted that treating FGM-related complications in Egypt costs the state an estimated $20 billion over the lifetime of affected women. This includes

$14 billion for gynecological and urinary complications

$6 billion related to childbirth and obstetric issues

Beyond direct healthcare costs, he emphasized the loss of productivity, explaining that women suffering from chronic pain or psychological trauma after FGM are often unable to work at full capacity, resulting in economic losses for families, communities, and the national economy.

Europe and the Global Financial Burden

While the prevalence of FGM in Europe is less than 1%, the cost of medical treatment, psychological care, and social support still reaches €1–2 billion annually. Globally, the estimated annual cost is around $1.4 billion. These figures demonstrate that everyone pays the price for a practice that could be prevented through education, awareness, and early intervention.

Dr. Sherif stressed that cooperation between Egypt and Europe should be viewed as a smart investment in the future, not merely a humanitarian effort.

The Role of IAAUG in Treatment and Training

Dr. Sherif also highlighted the work of the International Academy of Aesthetic and Urogynecological Surgery (IAAUG), which was founded through a humanitarian and scientific partnership between him and Dr. Doaa Saleh, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The organization focuses on treating FGM complications and training doctors on proper medical management.

To date, IAAUG has

Trained over 2,500 physicians

Provided 200 free surgical procedures for affected women and girls

The organization follows a simple but impactful model: for every doctor trained, two patients receive full treatment free of charge, ensuring that education translates into real change in people’s lives, not just academic knowledge.

Why the GAERID Audience Responded Strongly

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong reaction at the GAERID Conference reflects a growing global understanding that FGM is not merely a cultural issue, but an ongoing economic and social hemorrhage. International and European institutions are increasingly eager to contribute to solutions through training, education, and joint action, with IAAUG ready to operate anywhere—Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.

A Message to Society: “Together, We Are Stronger”

Dr. Sherif concluded with a powerful message

“FGM is not only a women’s issue—it is a national, economic, and future issue. Every girl we protect and every woman we treat is a step forward. Every doctor trained with us becomes a new source of light helping to reduce this practice. As the Germans say: Gemeinsam sind wir stark—together, we are stronger.”

Reliable International Sources

He emphasized that all figures and data presented in the lecture were based on trusted international sources, including

UNICEF reports (2024)

World Health Organization (WHO) assessments on the health and economic impact of FGM

Peer-reviewed economic studies published in international journals on women’s health and human development

These sources were used to provide a transparent and accurate picture of the scale of the problem and to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the human and economic cost of this practice.

About Dr. Ahmed Sherif

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