The Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, overseen by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has highlighted its global humanitarian and medical achievements on World Conjoined Twins Day, observed on November 24.
Since its establishment in 1990, the initiative has performed 67 separation surgeries and assessed 152 cases from 28 countries. Funded entirely by the Saudi government, the program covers all medical, rehabilitation and family expenses, including travel and accommodation, providing a comprehensive care model for conjoined twins and their families.
The program is supported by several Saudi entities, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital. Its approach has positioned Saudi Arabia as a leading center in the field of complex pediatric surgery.
In November 2024, KSrelief hosted an international conference in Riyadh to review the program’s progress and foster global collaboration. Agreements were signed to enhance post-surgery healthcare and education for conjoined twins in their home countries, supported by a new monitoring database.
KSrelief also announced research collaborations with Imperial College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital. A dedicated website, sctp.ksrelief.org, now provides access to program information, case studies and contact resources.