Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on protecting the rights of conjoined twins and strives to ensure their full integration into society so they can lead normal and safe lives. These assurances highlight the Kingdom's leading role in this complex humanitarian and medical issue, which extends beyond surgical procedures to encompass comprehensive care and human rights.
A rich history of medical and humanitarian achievements
Dr. Al-Rabeeah's statements cannot be discussed in isolation from the distinguished history of the Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins, which was launched in 1990. Thanks to this program, the Kingdom has become a global destination and a leading medical authority in this specialized field. For over three decades, the program has studied hundreds of cases from dozens of countries worldwide and performed scores of successful operations to separate conjoined twins, setting records that have placed Saudi medical expertise among the world's elite.
International dimensions and UN recognition
These efforts have gained significant international importance, particularly after the United Nations adopted the Kingdom's initiative to designate an International Day of Conjoined Twins. This international recognition reflects the success of Saudi humanitarian diplomacy in highlighting the plight of this group and calling for concerted global efforts to provide them with medical, psychological, and social care. This movement is not limited to the medical aspect alone; it also reinforces human rights principles by guaranteeing these children's right to life, health, and education.
Comprehensive care: Post-operative
In his remarks, Dr. Al-Rabeeah pointed out that the Kingdom's commitment extends beyond the successful surgical separation, encompassing psychological and physical rehabilitation programs that ensure the twins' integration into their communities. This comprehensive vision aims to empower the twins and their families to overcome the social and economic challenges arising from their medical condition, reflecting the core of the Kingdom's humanitarian mission, which makes no distinction based on color, race, or religion in providing assistance.
Leadership under Vision 2030
These efforts align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing quality of life and developing the healthcare sector, as well as strengthening the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world and a global humanitarian force. The continued success of the conjoined twins separation program reinforces the Kingdom's soft power and underscores its unwavering commitment to serving humanity, setting an exemplary standard in harnessing science and resources for the benefit of all humankind.
