A landmark achievement in the field of medicine, Saudi medical experts successfully completed the separation surgery of Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.
The directive for this significant milestone came from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The intricate procedure, initiated on Thursday morning, was the culmination of detailed planning and execution by a committed team of 38 medical professionals, comprising consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing personnel. Spanning approximately 14 hours, the surgery unfolded across nine meticulously planned stages, addressing common areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves of the twins.
The Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and head of the medical team, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, expressed confidence in the success of the procedure, citing a 70% success rate.
“This is a momentous occasion that showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and providing compassionate healthcare globally,” he said.
The triumphant separation of Hassana and Husaina signifies the 60th surgical procedure conducted by the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins, a program that has offered assistance to 135 conjoined twins from 25 nations over the past 34 years.
Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their steadfast support of the program.
He said, “The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes and its role as a leader in global healthcare.”
On his part, the Press Attaché at the Saudi embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, commented on the achievement, stating, “This remarkable feat highlights the close collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in the field of healthcare. We are proud to have played a part in improving the lives of these twins and their family.”
The division of Hassana and Husaina represents more than just a medical victory; it serves as a beacon of hope for numerous individuals encountering comparable hurdles across the globe.