By Khalidh Rizwan

The United Nations has designated November 24, 2024, as "World Conjoined Twins Day." This observance aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by conjoined twins and to promote their recognition in society, including their treatment, care, and well-being. This initiative was proposed by Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Bahrain, Morocco, Qatar, and Yemen.

Established in 1990, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has made Saudi Arabia a world leader in this specialized medical field. To date, the program has reviewed 139 sets of twins from 26 different countries and achieved successful separation in 61 cases. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, a prominent pediatric surgeon and Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court, leads the program as the Supervisor General of the King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSrelief).

Al Rabeeah noted that the United Nations General Assembly's decision to celebrate 'World Conjoined Twins Day' annually on November 24 is a significant recognition of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts. He praised the dedication and concern of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in supporting this initiative to aid these children.

To highlight the significance of World Conjoined Twins Day, Saudi Arabia will organize the inaugural International Conjoined Twins Conference in Riyadh on November 24-25, 2024.

The King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSrelief) and the Ministry of Health Affairs of the Saudi National Guard will co-host a conference that convenes international medical experts, humanitarian organization representatives, and others interested in the topic of conjoined twins. The event will focus on discussing recommendations, sharing success stories, addressing challenges, and exploring potential collaborations in the separation of conjoined twins.

The conference will feature a panel discussion titled 'Exploring the Multifaceted Impact of Separation on Conjoined Twins and Their Families', focusing on the physiological, psychological, and social ramifications of separation surgery.