Latest news with #SaudiConjoinedTwinsProgram
GMA Network
12-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Third Filipino conjoined twins to undergo surgery in Saudi Arabia
Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa of Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro are set to become the third Filipino conjoined twins to undergo separation surgery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to a recent post by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the twins and their parents paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Raymond Balatbat ahead of the "life-changing" procedure. "With their parents by their side, these brave little souls are embraced by the unwavering support of two nations united in compassion," the embassy's post read. "Their journey ahead is one of hope—hope for a future filled with possibility and a new beginning," the post added. In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila said the twins "have been interconnected for six years." They are currently under the care of the Saudi Ministry of Health for medical checkups for their "rigorous medical procedure and eventual separation," the DFA added. This marks the third time that Filipino conjoined twins were flown to Saudi Arabia for treatment under the Kingdom's humanitarian program. In 2024, Akhizah and Ayeesha Yusoph of Davao del Norte underwent the procedure. At the time, they were one year and four months old and shared a liver when they were fetched for the operation. Twenty years ahead of them, conjoined twins Ann and Mae Manzo became a beneficiary of the Saudi project. Saudi Arabia has been known to be a pioneer in the field of separating conjoined twins, having performed more than 133 operations for various nationalities as of May last year. "The Embassy acknowledges the remarkable vision of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program—not only in giving Filipino twins a chance at a normal life, but in extending its kindness to conjoined twins from across the world," the Philippine embassy added. According to the Mayo Clinic, conjoined twins "develop when an early embryo only partially separates to form two individuals." "Some surviving conjoined twins can be surgically separated. The success of surgery depends on where the twins are joined and how many and which organs are shared. It also depends on the experience and skill of the surgical team," the United States-based hospital said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Gulf Today
28-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Conjoined Filipino twin sisters arrive in Riyadh for surgery on Saudi King's invitation
Gulf Today Report Under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Filipino conjoined twin sisters, Klea and Maurice Ann arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, accompanied by their family, SPA reported. Upon arrival, the twins were transferred to King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital at the Ministry of National Guard for medical assessment and to evaluate the possibility of performing a separation surgery. Adviser at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), and head of the medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah expressed his deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince for this humanitarian initiative. He stated that the initiative embodies the noble values and firm principles of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in extending aid to those in need, affirming its global leadership in the humanitarian and medical fields. This, he noted, has helped establish the Kingdom's position as an advanced international medical reference. Dr Al Rabeeah also pointed out that the programme is one of the most prominent humanitarian models and a cornerstone of the global relief response, reflecting the Kingdom's principles of mercy and human solidarity without discrimination, in fulfillment of its noble mission to preserve human dignity regardless of color, race, or religion. The family of the Filipino twins expressed their deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their generous care and warm reception, as well as the comprehensive medical attention they received. They appreciated the vital role of the program and the efforts of the medical and surgical team to ensure the safety of their children. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has performed two successful separation surgeries on conjoined twins from the Republic of the Philippines over its 35-year history.
Saudi Gazette
18-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Filipino conjoined twins undergo medical evaluation after arrival in Riyadh
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Filipino conjoined twin sisters —Klea and Maurice Ann— were undergoing medical checkups to evaluate the possibility of performing a separation surgery at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital under the Ministry of National Guard. Accompanied by their parents, the twins arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh from the Philippines on Saturday. This is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), and head of the medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah expressed his deepest gratitude to King Salman and the Crown Prince for this humanitarian initiative. He stated that the initiative embodies the noble values and firm principles of Saudi Arabia in extending aid to those in need, affirming its global leadership in the humanitarian and medical fields. This, he noted, has helped establish the Kingdom's position as an advanced international medical reference. Dr. Al-Rabeeah also pointed out that the program is one of the most prominent humanitarian models and a cornerstone of the global relief response, reflecting the Kingdom's principles of mercy and human solidarity without discrimination, in fulfillment of its noble mission to preserve human dignity regardless of color, race, or religion. The family of the Filipino twins expressed their deep gratitude to the King and the Crown Prince for their generous care and warm reception, as well as the comprehensive medical attention received by their kids. They appreciated the vital role of the program and the efforts of the medical and surgical team to ensure the safety of their children. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has performed two successful separation surgeries on conjoined twins from the Philippines over its 35-year history.
Saudi Gazette
15-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Surgical separation of Eritrean conjoined twins successful
Saudi Gazette report Riyadh — The medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program is successful in separating Eritrean conjoined twins Asma and Someya, who were joined at the head, at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in Riyadh on Wednesday. This is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Supervisor General and head of the medical team Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said the complex procedure, which lasted for 15 and a half hours, was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. The team employed neuronavigational technology and surgical microscopy to ensure precise planning and uphold the highest safety standards. He said that this operation marks the 64th separation performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has treated over 149 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years. Over the years, it has achieved outstanding medical successes, showcasing the advanced capabilities and professionalism of Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector and its medical teams. Consultant pediatric neurosurgeon and head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Dr. Moutasem Azzubi said that the twins underwent a comprehensive evaluation, which revealed the fusion of skull bones, brain membranes, veins, and certain arteries. The separation was conducted in stages, beginning with an initial surgical procedure followed by three interventional radiology procedures to block shared arteries and veins. The pediatric plastic surgery team inserted tissue expanders under the skin to stretch it over several months and allow sufficient skin coverage after the separation. The twins' family expressed their sincere gratitude to the Saudi leadership for making this life-saving procedure possible and ensuring their children received the best medical care. They also commended the Kingdom's humanitarian efforts and thanked the generous hospitality they received during their stay in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette
07-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Somali conjoined twins undergo medical checkups after arrival in Riyadh
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Somali conjoined twins Rahma and Ramla and their parents arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. After their landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, they were transferred to the King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital under the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs to undergo further tests to explore the possibility of performing a surgical separation. This is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah thanked the King and the Crown Prince for this noble humanitarian initiative, which reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting people in need around the world. The parents of the Somali twins expressed their gratitude to the Saudi leadership and those in charge of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program for their distinguished medical care for their children.
