Landmark 75th surgery under Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme; 44 medical professionals complete nine-phase procedure at Riyadh hospital, marking fourth successful separation involving Tanzanian twins
RIYADH, Friday, October 30, 2026 (WNP): Saudi Arabia’s Conjoined Twins Programme has achieved another major medical milestone, successfully separating Tanzanian conjoined twins Laityness and Loveness in a complex 14.5-hour operation involving 44 medical professionals at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.
Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and head of the programme’s medical and surgical team, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, announced that the operation was completed in nine phases through the coordinated efforts of the specialised medical and surgical team.
“By the grace of God and through the efforts of my colleagues on the medical and surgical team, the Tanzanian conjoined twins Laityness and Loveness were separated in 14.5 hours across nine phases,” Dr. Al Rabeeah said.
He said 44 consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff from multiple medical disciplines participated in the complex procedure, ensuring the highest levels of precision and safety throughout all stages of the operation.
The twins, aged two years and two months, were joined at the pelvis and hips and shared the lower portion of their intestines, spinal column, lumbar vertebrae and spinal cord. They also had four lower limbs.
Dr. Al Rabeeah said the operation marked the fourth separation of conjoined twins from the United Republic of Tanzania and the 75th surgery performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme.
Over more than 35 years, the programme has evaluated 160 cases from 29 countries, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s continued contribution to specialised medical care and its humanitarian role in providing treatment to children from around the world.
The programme receives direct support and care from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
On behalf of himself and the medical and surgical team, Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its generous support, which has helped establish the Kingdom as a distinguished global centre for the separation of conjoined twins.
He also commended the medical team members for their dedication and professional efforts in achieving the successful outcome.
The twins’ mother expressed her gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for ensuring high-quality medical care for her daughters. She also praised the medical team for its extensive efforts in making the operation successful.
