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

After attending the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany, Dr. Ahmed Sherif returned to Egypt following a widely discussed lecture addressing the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) on society and the economy. His presentation attracted significant attention, particularly after images circulated showing a crowded conference hall and an audience closely engaged with his talk.

Credible Statistics Highlight a Global Crisis

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong response to his lecture was driven by the precision of the data and the transparency with which it was presented. According to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM. This figure continues to rise alongside population growth, transforming the practice into a global public health and economic challenge with long-term consequences for nations and communities.

Egypt Faces One of the Highest Prevalence Rates

Discussing Egypt’s situation, Dr. Sherif noted that the country remains among those with the highest rates of FGM, with approximately 87% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 affected. While there has been a slight improvement in delaying the age at which the procedure is performed, the overall number of cases continues to increase as the population grows.

He also pointed out that FGM is no longer limited to traditional practices. In some instances, it is carried out in medical facilities by healthcare personnel, giving the procedure a misleading appearance of safety while increasing both its risks and its cost to the healthcare system.

The Heavy Economic Burden on Egypt

From an economic perspective, Dr. Sherif highlighted that managing FGM-related complications costs Egypt an estimated $20 billion over the lifetime of affected women. These costs are distributed across

$14 billion for gynecological and urinary tract complications

$6 billion for pregnancy and childbirth-related issues

He emphasized that women suffering from ongoing pain or psychological distress following FGM often cannot perform at full capacity in the workforce, leading to significant productivity losses that affect families, communities, and the national economy.

Europe and the Global Financial Cost of FGM

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

These figures demonstrate that the financial burden of FGM is shared worldwide, despite the fact that the practice is largely preventable through education, awareness, and early intervention. In this context, cooperation between Egypt and Europe should be seen as a strategic investment in future development, rather than solely a humanitarian initiative.

IAAUG’s Contribution to Treatment and Medical Training

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

The organization focuses on treating complications resulting from FGM and equipping doctors with proper clinical skills. To date, IAAUG has

Trained over 2,500 physicians

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

The academy follows a practical and impactful approach: for every doctor trained, two patients receive complete treatment free of charge, ensuring that professional education leads to real, measurable change in people’s lives.

Why the GAERID Audience Engaged Strongly

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference reflects a growing international understanding that FGM is not simply a cultural tradition, but an ongoing social and economic drain. There is increasing interest among European and international organizations in supporting solutions through training, education, and collaborative efforts, with IAAUG prepared to operate globally across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

A Clear Message to Society

Dr. Sherif concluded with a strong call to action

“Female genital mutilation is not only a women’s issue—it is a national issue that affects the economy and the future of societies. Every girl we protect and every woman we treat moves us 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.”

Reliable International References

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) analyses 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 provide a clear, transparent, and evidence-based picture of the scale of the issue 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), in addition to an MBA and a Diploma in Business Administration from Cairo University. He is the CEO of Alpha Centauri, a company specializing in marketing and the organization of medical conferences, and the co-founder of IAAUG, a leading institution dedicated to physician training and the treatment of complications resulting from female genital mutilation.