After His Participation in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany
Exclusive – Zain Al-Watan Dr. Ahmed Sherif: Female Genital Mutilation Is a Health, Social, and Economic Crisis That Requires Urgent Action Dr. Ahmed... Exclusive – Zain Al-Watan
Dr. Ahmed Sherif: Female Genital Mutilation Is a Health, Social, and Economic Crisis That Requires Urgent Action
Dr. Ahmed Sherif has returned to Egypt after participating in the GAERID Conference in Cologne, Germany, where his lecture on the health, social, and economic consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) received widespread attention. Images of the packed conference hall circulated widely, reflecting the strong engagement with the facts and data he presented on this global issue.
During his presentation, Dr. Sherif explained that, according to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM. This number continues to rise each year as populations grow, turning the practice into a global challenge that directly impacts public health systems and national economies.
Egypt Among the Countries with the Highest Rates
Dr. Sherif noted that Egypt remains among the countries with the highest prevalence of FGM, with approximately 87% of girls and women aged 15–49 affected. Despite a slight decline in the age at which the practice is performed, the overall number of cases continues to increase.
He also pointed out that FGM is no longer limited to traditional methods, as it is sometimes carried out inside medical clinics, giving it a misleading appearance of safety. However, this so-called medicalization only increases complications and long-term consequences, placing an even heavier burden on the state.
Enormous Economic Losses
Dr. Sherif highlighted the massive economic cost of FGM in Egypt, explaining that the state spends nearly $20 billion over the lifetime of each woman affected. This includes:
$14 billion for gynecological and urinary tract complications
$6 billion for pregnancy and childbirth-related complications
He emphasized that chronic pain and psychological trauma resulting from FGM significantly reduce a woman’s productivity and ability to work, leading to direct losses for families, communities, and the national economy.
Europe Also Pays the Price
Although the prevalence of FGM in Europe is below 1%, Dr. Sherif explained that the cost of medical treatment, psychological care, and social support for affected women reaches €1–2 billion annually. Globally, the total annual cost is estimated at $1.4 billion.
These figures, he said, prove that addressing FGM is a shared international responsibility, and that investment in education and awareness remains the most effective and sustainable solution.
IAAUG: An Organization Making Real Impact
Dr. Sherif also spoke about the role of the International Academy of Aesthetic and Urogynecological Surgery (IAAUG), which he co-founded with Dr. Doaa Saleh, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The organization has become a global reference point for treating FGM complications and training medical professionals.
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 simple yet effective model: for every doctor trained, two patients receive full treatment free of charge, ensuring that training translates into direct, life-changing outcomes.
Growing International Awareness
Commenting on the strong engagement at the GAERID Conference, Dr. Sherif stated that global awareness is increasing around the fact that FGM is not merely a cultural practice, but a source of continuous health, social, and economic loss.
He confirmed that European and international institutions have shown genuine interest in joint action through education, training, and collaboration, noting that IAAUG is ready to operate anywhere, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
A Clear Message to Society
Dr. Ahmed Sherif concluded with a powerful message:
“FGM is not just a women’s issue—it is an issue of nation, economy, and future generations. Every girl we protect is a step forward, and every doctor we train is a new light helping to reduce this practice. As the Germans say: Gemeinsam sind wir stark—together, we are stronger.”
Trusted International Sources
Dr. Sherif emphasized that all figures presented in his lecture were based on reliable international sources, including:
UNICEF reports (2024)
World Health Organization (WHO) assessments
International economic studies on the health and development impact of FGM
These sources were used to provide a transparent and evidence-based picture that helps policymakers and the public understand the true 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.
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Dec 16, 2025