Filipino conjoined twins separated in Saudi Arabia

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino conjoined twins Ayeesha and Akhizah Yusoph were successfully separated surgery in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs  (DFA) disclosed the matter in a statement on Tuesday, saying that it is the second case of conjoined Filipino twins to undergo a separation procedure in Saudi Arabia as part of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Separation Program.

READ: Decade on, separate lives for once-conjoined Filipino twins

“The surgical procedure was conducted by the esteemed pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and was facilitated under the auspices of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), with Dr. Al Rabeaah serving as its supervisor general,” said DFA.

“Ayeesha and Akhizah arrived in Riyadh on May 5, 2024 and subsequently underwent a comprehensive assessment prior to their scheduled separation surgery,” it added.

DFA said Saudi’s Conjoined Twins Separation Program was established in 1990. It has so far facilitated the successful operation of over 130 children from 25 different countries.

Prior to DFA’s statement, the Philippine embassy in Riyadh already expressed the Philippine government’s deep gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people “for their unwavering support.”

“The successful separation of Ayeesha and Akhizah is a momentous occasion that fills us with joy and hope. We celebrate this new chapter in their lives and wish them good health, happiness, and a bright future,” said the embassy.