Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah Discusses Global Commitment To Conjoined Twins At Conference In Riyadh

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, an Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, engaged with international journalists on Saturday. This meeting was part of a media roundtable held alongside the International Conference on Conjoined Twins, set to begin on Sunday in Riyadh. The conference is organized by KSrelief and will take place under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 24 and 25, 2024.

Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted that this conference celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program. He emphasized that this initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's longstanding commitment to humanitarian values, which are deeply embedded in its identity. Established in 1990, the program was not merely a local medical project but a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to supporting conjoined twins globally.

The Kingdom has achieved significant milestones in this field, conducting over 61 successful separation surgeries with nearly a 100% success rate. Dr. Al Rabeeah noted that they have reviewed 143 cases from 26 countries across three continents. This global model demonstrates determination to address the complex challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families.

Saudi Arabia's leadership has prioritized monitoring the conditions of conjoined twins, providing post-separation services, and maintaining communication with them and their families. This approach has positioned the Kingdom as a leader in overcoming medical challenges associated with conjoinment.

The International Day of Conjoined Twins is observed on November 24, initiated by Saudi Arabia through the United Nations. Dr. Al Rabeeah mentioned that this day plays a crucial role in mobilizing global resources and expertise to focus on conjoined twins' needs in international forums.

KSrelief serves as Saudi Arabia's humanitarian arm, established under directives from King Salman. Since its inception, KSrelief has implemented approximately 3,117 projects across 105 countries, valued at over $7.113 billion USD. These projects span various sectors including food security, health, education, and humanitarian operations support.

Key Humanitarian Initiatives

Dr. Al Rabeeah outlined several key initiatives undertaken by KSrelief to advance Saudi humanitarian efforts. Among these is the Saudi Landmine Clearance Project in Yemen known as "Masam," which has successfully removed 469,576 mines planted indiscriminately across Yemeni lands.

This project aims to reduce casualties among innocent civilians such as children, women, and the elderly who are most affected by these hidden dangers. Additionally, he highlighted the prosthetics program as another significant component of their humanitarian work.

The Kingdom's commitment to humanitarian causes extends beyond its borders through KSrelief's diverse projects worldwide. These efforts underscore Saudi Arabia's dedication to alleviating human suffering and promoting global well-being through strategic initiatives and partnerships.

With inputs from SPA