Saudi Kingdom Intervenes, Flies Nigerian Conjoined Twins for Procedure

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSARelief), has sponsored the facilitation of a complex surgical separation for Nigerian conjoined twins in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The Press Attache at the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, Mohammed Alsahabi, disclosed this to journalists yesterday at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport shortly after the conjoined twins were flown to Saudi Arabia for the operation.

The twins, Hassana and Husaina Hassan Isa from Kano, are joined at the chest and share vital organs, making their separation a medically intricate and challenging procedure.

He said the story has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide, drawing attention to the urgent need for specialised medical attention.

According to him, “KSARelief in collaboration with a Saudi team of renowned surgeons and medical professionals has embarked on a journey to provide these two young lives with the opportunity for a brighter and healthier future.

“The surgery, scheduled to take place at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, will mark a groundbreaking moment in the field of pediatric surgery.”

Alsahabi further explained that the conjoined twins would undergo a thorough medical evaluation, and a team of experts, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses had been assembled to oversee the entire process.

He pointed out that the twins’ parents would be accommodated in Riyadh, and a support system would be in place to provide comfort and assistance throughout the journey.

“This initiative under the directives of the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian causes and its dedication to helping those in need, regardless of their nationality or background.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of providing international humanitarian aid and is internationally recognised as one of the key countries responding to humanitarian crises over the years,” he stated.

The press attache said the kingdom’s leaders have followed all internationally accepted principles of neutrality, impartiality, and universality in their provision of humanitarian assistance.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre was established in 2015, and to date, it has delivered aid and relief to 94 countries through more than 2,500 projects.

In his remarks, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was at the airport to bid them farewell, thanked the Saudi Arabian leader, King Salman bn Abdulaziz, for his humanitarian support to the people of the state in particular.

Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to him for taking up this charitable task as he did last year to the first conjoined twins of Kano State, who are successfully recuperating after a successful surgery.

 Also, the Saudi Arabian Consulate-General in Kano, Ali Adamawy, said the Saudi Government has given a great deal of attention to the healthcare needs of many other countries, including the unique Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme since its inception in 1990.