Dr. Ahmed Sherif Returns to Egypt After GAERID Conference in Cologne, Spotlighting the Socioeconomic Impact of Female Genital Mutilation

Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt following his participation in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany, where his presentation on the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) on society and the economy attracted wide attention. The strong interest was evident as images circulated of a fully packed conference hall, with attendees closely engaged throughout his talk.

Accurate Statistics Bring the Issue Into Focus

Dr. Sherif noted that the strong response to his lecture was driven by the clarity, accuracy, and transparency of the data presented. According to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have been subjected to FGM. This alarming figure continues to rise with global population growth, turning the practice into a major global health and economic challenge affecting nations across the world.

Egypt’s High Prevalence Rates

Speaking about Egypt, Dr. Sherif explained that the country remains among those with the highest FGM prevalence, with approximately 87% of women aged 15 to 49 having undergone the practice. Despite slight progress in delaying the age at which FGM is performed, the overall number of affected women continues to increase due to population growth.

He added that FGM is no longer limited to traditional environments. In some cases, it is carried out in medical clinics by healthcare professionals, giving the procedure a false sense of medical legitimacy while increasing its harm and financial cost to the state.

The Economic Burden of FGM in Egypt

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

$14 billion for gynecological and urinary tract complications

$6 billion related to pregnancy and childbirth issues

He stressed that women suffering from chronic pain or psychological trauma following FGM often struggle to work at full capacity, resulting in lost productivity at the family, community, and national levels.

Europe and the Global Cost of FGM

When comparing the situation to Europe, Dr. Sherif noted that although prevalence rates there are below 1%, the cost of medical care, psychological support, and social services still reaches €1–2 billion annually. On a global scale, the total annual cost is estimated at $1.4 billion.

These figures underline the reality that societies worldwide pay the price for a preventable practice—one that could be addressed through education, awareness, and early intervention. In this context, cooperation between Egypt and Europe represents a strategic investment in the future, rather than a purely humanitarian gesture.

IAAUG’s Role in Treatment and Capacity Building

Dr. Sherif also highlighted the efforts of the International Academy of Aesthetic and Urogynecological Surgery (IAAUG), which was established through a humanitarian and scientific partnership between him and Dr. Doaa Saleh, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The organization focuses on treating the complications of FGM and training physicians on best medical practices. To date, IAAUG has

Trained more than 2,500 doctors

Provided 200 free surgical procedures for affected women and girls

Its model is straightforward yet impactful: for every doctor trained, two patients receive full treatment at no cost, ensuring that education leads to tangible, life-changing outcomes.

Why the GAERID Audience Engaged So Strongly

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference reflects a growing international awareness that FGM is not merely a cultural issue, but a continuous socioeconomic drain. International and European institutions are increasingly eager to contribute to solutions through education, professional training, and collaborative action, with IAAUG prepared to operate globally—across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

A Clear Message to Society

Dr. Sherif concluded with a powerful message

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

Trusted International Sources

He emphasized that all data and statistics presented were drawn from reliable international sources, including

UNICEF reports (2024)

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

Peer-reviewed economic research published in international journals specializing in women’s health and human development

These sources were used to present a clear and transparent picture of the scale of the problem and to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the human and economic cost of FGM.

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, 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 related to female genital mutilation.