In compliance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect them, the medical evacuation plane landed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carrying the Tanzanian conjoined twins, Lytians and Lovens, along with their families, on a humanitarian journey that embodies the pioneering role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in global charitable work.
Upon their arrival, the twins were immediately transferred to King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital , a leading medical facility under the Ministry of National Guard, staffed by a team of highly qualified medical professionals. The specialized medical team, led by world-renowned expert Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, will begin a series of thorough and comprehensive examinations to assess the twins' condition, evaluate the complexity of their conjoinedness, and determine the feasibility of surgical separation.
A proven track record of achievements: The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins
This initiative is not a spontaneous event, but rather an extension of a long history of humanitarian work embodied in the Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins , which was launched in 1990. For over three decades, the program has become a landmark internationally, successfully studying more than 135 cases from 25 countries worldwide and performing nearly 60 complex separation surgeries, giving dozens of children and their families the chance for a new and independent life. This impressive record reflects the Kingdom's profound expertise and exceptional medical capabilities, which have made it a leading destination of hope for many challenging humanitarian cases.
Humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions
The significance of this initiative extends beyond the medical aspect to encompass profound diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions. Through such initiatives, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as an influential force in global humanitarian work, translating its authentic Islamic and Arab values into tangible actions. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah explained that this generous gesture from the wise leadership is an integral part of the Kingdom's approach to standing by those in need around the world, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, thus solidifying the Kingdom's image as a "Kingdom of Humanity." These efforts also contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania, opening new horizons for cooperation in the health and humanitarian fields.
For their part, the family of the Tanzanian twins expressed their profound gratitude and indescribable appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and to the government and people of the Kingdom for this swift and generous response. They expressed their great hope that the efforts of the Saudi medical team would be crowned with success, and that their children would be able to live normal lives thanks to this compassionate hand extended to them from Riyadh.
