International Conference On Conjoined Twins Opens In Riyadh Under King Salman's Patronage

Under the auspices of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, inaugurated the International Conference on Conjoined Twins. This two-day event is organised by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in collaboration with UN humanitarian organisations in Riyadh. Prince Faisal was welcomed by KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel, and other senior officials.

The conference began with the Saudi national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran. Prince Faisal delivered a speech on behalf of King Salman, stating: "I am pleased to welcome you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and honoured to convey the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques." He highlighted that this conference marks over 30 years since the launch of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme.

The programme has provided care for 143 cases from 26 countries and successfully conducted 61 separation operations. It stands as one of the largest specialised humanitarian medical initiatives globally. The programme is unique in its dedication to separating conjoined twins internationally. The incidence rate for conjoined twins is about 1 in 50,000 births, presenting complex challenges that require scientific and medical efforts.

Prince Faisal expressed gratitude to medical staff for their professionalism in handling such delicate surgeries. He emphasised that collective efforts will enhance healthcare quality for conjoined twins. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, KSrelief Supervisor General and Head of the Multidisciplinary Team for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, also spoke at the event.

Dr. Al Rabeeah thanked King Salman for sponsoring the conference and appreciated Prince Faisal's presence. "We are gathered today to celebrate three decades since the start of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme," he stated. He noted that inviting separated twins back to Saudi Arabia highlights its leadership under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The programme began in 1990 and has evaluated 143 conjoined twins from 26 countries, performing 61 successful separations. Seven cases are currently awaiting separation decisions. Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that this initiative transcends distinctions like colour or religion, focusing solely on human dignity.

Strategic Healthcare Vision

This pioneering effort aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategic investment in healthcare under King Salman's leadership. It aims to develop qualified health professionals and advance specialised education using modern technologies. Dr. Al Rabeeah conveyed gratitude from his colleagues to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support.

He reviewed achievements such as proposing a UN resolution to designate November 24 as World Conjoined Twins Day. He thanked various ministries and organisations for their contributions, including those involved in caring for conjoined twins and arranging transportation for them.

Acknowledging Contributions

Dr. Al Rabeeah paid tribute to two late surgical team members, Drs Mohammed Al-Jammas and Mohammed Al-Jamal, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. He expressed gratitude to conjoined children and their parents who trusted Saudi Arabia during challenging times.

World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Saudi Arabia's invitation to participate in this conference. He commended the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme as a significant advancement in medical science dedicated to helping conjoined twins worldwide.

Conference Highlights

The conference featured a documentary on the programme's evolution since inception. Prince Faisal launched its official website and oversaw nine agreements between KSrelief and various humanitarian organisations.

The medical team received high commendation for their work with conjoined twins during this ceremony attended by officials, diplomats, experts from local and international organisations.

With inputs from SPA