Saudi Arabia highlights global impact of conjoined twins programs on UN World conjoined twins day

Jeddah – Saudi Arabia marked the second UN World Conjoined Twins Day on Nov. 24 by highlighting more than three decades of medical and humanitarian achievements through the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

The initiative has become one of the world’s most comprehensive efforts supporting children born with complex congenital conditions.

Since its launch in 1990, the program has assessed 152 cases from 28 countries across five continents, providing advanced medical expertise to families who often lack access to specialized care.

Through the support of national leadership, the program has earned global recognition for both its medical outcomes and its commitment to humanitarian values.

A total of 67 separation surgeries have been performed at King Abdulaziz Medical City, with each procedure delivered at no cost to the families involved.

The program covers every aspect of care, including surgery, rehabilitation, travel, accommodation and family support, ensuring that children receive treatment in a stable and compassionate environment.

This year’s observance emphasized the importance of inclusive health systems and the global responsibility to support children with disabilities.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement in the UN-recognized day reflects its broader commitment to medical outreach through KSrelief, the Kingdom’s international humanitarian aid agency.

KSrelief organized an international conference to mark more than 30 years of the program’s achievements, bringing together medical specialists, policymakers and humanitarian experts.

The event focused on strengthening international cooperation, improving long-term post-surgery support and advancing research on conjoined twins worldwide.

During the conference, new agreements were signed to expand access to integrated services after separation surgeries.

These agreements cover healthcare follow-up, educational support and social services in the children’s home countries, ensuring that families receive continuing assistance beyond the operating room.

A dedicated data platform was also introduced to track long-term outcomes and enhance global understanding of conjoined twin cases.

This effort will support coordinated care, facilitate research and ensure that best practices can be shared across international medical communities.

Additional partnerships were concluded with Imperial College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in the UK.
The collaborations aim to advance research, promote knowledge exchange and strengthen the global registry of conjoined twin cases.

Another agreement was signed with the Ministry of Defense’s Aeromedical Evacuation Department to support specialized medical transport for critical cases.

This ensures that infants requiring urgent care can be transported safely and efficiently from their home countries to Saudi Arabia.

To commemorate the UN day, KSrelief joined UNICEF and the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the UN in hosting an event under the theme “From Words to Action.”

The gathering underscored the need for inclusive healthcare, education and protection services for children with disabilities across the world.

Conjoined twins represent one of the rarest and most complex medical challenges globally, requiring highly specialized teams, advanced surgical planning and long-term rehabilitation.

Their experiences reflect the broader challenges faced by millions of children with disabilities, including limited access to medical care and barriers to full social participation.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, head of the program, emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the impact of expertise guided by compassion.

He noted that the program aims to give every child a chance at a healthier and more dignified life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Al-Rabeeah said that global partnerships are essential to improving outcomes for children with complex medical needs.

He reaffirmed the shared commitment with UNICEF to ensure that disabilities never stand in the way of a child receiving proper care and support.

As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its humanitarian medical programs, the Conjoined Twins Program remains a leading example of how long-term commitment and international cooperation can transform individual lives.

Its achievements serve as a model for other nations seeking to advance inclusive healthcare and strengthen support for vulnerable children worldwide.