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

Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt after taking part in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany, where his lecture on the effects of female genital mutilation (FGM) on society and the economy attracted widespread attention. The strong interest was evident as photos circulated showing a fully packed conference hall, with attendees following his presentation with great focus.

Clear Evidence Highlights a Global Challenge

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong reaction to his lecture was driven by the clarity of the figures and the transparency in presenting them. According to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM. This alarming number continues to grow alongside population increases, turning FGM into a global challenge that directly affects public health and national economies.

Egypt Among Countries with the Highest Rates

Addressing the situation in Egypt, Dr. Sherif stated that the country remains among those with the highest prevalence of FGM, with nearly 87% of women aged 15 to 49 affected. Despite modest progress in raising the age at which the practice occurs, the overall number of cases continues to rise due to population growth.

He also warned that FGM is no longer limited to traditional practices, as it is sometimes performed in medical clinics by healthcare staff, giving the procedure a misleading medical appearance while increasing its risks and financial burden on the state.

Heavy Economic Losses Linked to FGM

From an economic perspective, Dr. Sherif revealed 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 tract complications

$6 billion for pregnancy and childbirth-related problems

He emphasized that women suffering from chronic pain or psychological trauma after FGM are often unable to work at full capacity, resulting in significant productivity losses at both the family and community levels.

Europe and the Global Financial Burden

When comparing Egypt’s situation with Europe, Dr. Sherif noted that although FGM prevalence there is below 1%, the cost of treatment, psychological support, and social services still reaches €1–2 billion annually. Globally, the total yearly cost is estimated at around $1.4 billion.

These figures show that societies worldwide pay the price for a preventable practice—one that could be avoided through education, awareness, and early intervention. In this context, cooperation between Egypt and Europe stands out as a smart long-term investment, not merely a humanitarian response.

IAAUG’s Role in Treatment and Medical 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 the complications of FGM and training physicians on proper medical management. So far, IAAUG has

Trained more than 2,500 doctors

Provided 200 free surgical procedures for affected women and girls

Its approach is simple yet impactful: for every doctor trained, two patients receive complete treatment free of charge, ensuring that education leads to real and measurable change.

Why the GAERID Audience Engaged

Dr. Sherif explained that the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference reflects a growing global realization that FGM is not merely a cultural issue, but a continuous social and economic drain. International and European institutions are increasingly eager to support solutions through education, training, and joint initiatives, 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 message

“Female genital mutilation is not just 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 progress. 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 Sources

He confirmed that all data and statistics presented were based on trusted international references, including

UNICEF reports (2024)

World Health Organization (WHO) reports on the health and economic effects of FGM

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

These sources were used to present a transparent and accurate 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 organizing medical conferences, and the co-founder of IAAUG, a leading organization dedicated to physician training and the treatment of complications resulting from female genital mutilation.