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

Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt after participating in the GAERID Conference held in Cologne, Germany, where his lecture on the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) on society and national economies generated widespread interest. The strong engagement was evident in widely shared images showing a fully occupied conference hall, with attendees listening attentively to his presentation.

Transparent Data Drives Global Attention

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong response to his lecture was largely due to the clarity of the statistics and the honesty with which they were presented. Citing UNICEF, he noted that more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have been subjected to FGM. This number continues to rise as global populations increase, making FGM a growing international health and economic challenge rather than a localized issue.

Egypt’s Situation: High Prevalence and Rising Costs

Focusing on Egypt, Dr. Sherif highlighted that the country remains among the highest-ranking nations in FGM prevalence, with approximately 87% of women aged 15–49 having undergone the practice. Although there has been modest progress in delaying the age at which FGM is performed, the total number of affected women continues to grow due to population expansion.

He also warned that the practice has shifted in some cases from traditional settings to medical clinics, carried out by healthcare professionals. This so-called medicalization of FGM gives the procedure a false sense of safety while increasing both its harmful consequences and its financial burden on the state.

The Financial Impact of FGM on Egypt

From an economic perspective, Dr. Sherif revealed that treating complications related to FGM costs Egypt an estimated $20 billion over the lifetime of affected women. These costs include

Around $14 billion for gynecological and urinary tract complications

Approximately $6 billion linked to pregnancy and childbirth complications

He stressed that chronic pain and psychological trauma following FGM often reduce a woman’s ability to work effectively, leading to significant productivity losses that affect families, communities, and the broader economy.

Europe and the Global Economic Burden

When comparing the situation to Europe, Dr. Sherif noted that although FGM prevalence there is below 1%, the cost of medical treatment, psychological care, and social support still amounts to €1–2 billion annually. On a global level, the overall yearly cost is estimated at $1.4 billion.

These figures demonstrate that all societies bear the cost of a practice that could largely be prevented through education, awareness campaigns, and early intervention. In this context, cooperation between Egypt and European institutions represents a forward-looking investment, not merely a humanitarian response.

IAAUG: Turning Training Into Real Impact

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-related complications and training physicians to manage such cases according to international medical standards.

To date, IAAUG has

Trained more than 2,500 doctors

Provided 200 free surgical procedures for women and girls affected by FGM

The academy follows a practical model: for every doctor trained, two patients receive full treatment free of charge, ensuring that education leads to measurable, life-changing results.

Why the GAERID Audience Responded Strongly

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference reflects a growing global awareness that FGM is not simply a cultural practice, but an ongoing social and economic drain. International and European organizations are increasingly willing to contribute to solutions through education, professional training, and collaborative initiatives, with IAAUG ready to operate worldwide, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

A Clear Call to Action

Dr. Sherif concluded with a powerful message to society

“Female genital mutilation is not only a women’s issue—it is an issue of national development, economic stability, and future generations. Every girl we protect and every woman we treat represents progress. Every doctor trained with us is a new light helping to reduce this practice. As the Germans say: Gemeinsam sind wir stark—together, we are stronger.”

Credible International Sources

He emphasized that all statistics and data presented in the lecture were drawn from trusted international sources, including

UNICEF reports (2024)

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

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

These sources were used to present a transparent and accurate overview of the scale of the issue and to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the human and economic costs of FGM.

About Dr. Ahmed Sherif

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