Riyadh, November 24, 2024 – Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), met with a group of international journalists at a media roundtable on Saturday, held in conjunction with the International Conference on Conjoined Twins. The conference, organized by KSrelief under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is set to take place in Riyadh on November 24 and 25, 2024.
In his address, Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted the significance of the conference, marking the 30th anniversary of Saudi Arabia's Conjoined Twins Program, a pioneering initiative launched in 1990. The program, which has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian commitment, has not only transformed the lives of conjoined twins but has also positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in this complex medical field. Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized that the foundation of this program was more than just a local medical effort; it was a global declaration of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to providing humanitarian care to conjoined twins worldwide.
The program's inception in 1990, under the wise leadership of the Kingdom, was aimed at addressing the medical challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families. Over the years, it has evolved into an international model, guiding doctors and medical professionals in tackling the intricate challenges of conjoinment. The Kingdom’s efforts to support conjoined twins have extended far beyond surgical procedures, focusing on monitoring their health, providing post-separation care, and maintaining close communication with the twins and their families. This holistic approach has not only improved the quality of life for many individuals but has also contributed to the development of a global network for sharing medical expertise and support.
Dr. Al Rabeeah proudly shared that the Kingdom’s commitment to conjoined twins has led to over 61 successful separation surgeries, with a near 100% success rate, positioning Saudi Arabia as a world leader in this field. Furthermore, the Kingdom has reviewed 143 cases from 26 countries across three continents, offering guidance and expertise in the separation of conjoined twins. This dedication to humanitarian efforts also includes the establishment of the International Day of Conjoined Twins, which the United Nations officially adopted at the Kingdom’s initiative on November 24. This observance serves to mobilize global resources and expertise to improve the care and attention provided to conjoined twins, raising awareness on an international scale.
Dr. Al Rabeeah also shed light on the broader scope of KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts. Since its establishment on May 13, 2015, by royal decree, KSrelief has played a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian initiatives. The center has spearheaded nearly 3,117 projects in 105 countries, with a total value exceeding 7.113 billion US dollars. These projects cover vital sectors such as food security, health care, education, and humanitarian coordination, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global humanitarian aid.
One of the standout projects of KSrelief is the Saudi Landmine Clearance Project in Yemen, known as "Masam." Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted the success of this initiative, which has removed a staggering 469,576 landmines from areas across Yemen that were indiscriminately planted during ongoing conflicts. These mines have posed a deadly threat to civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly. KSrelief’s efforts to clear these mines have saved countless lives and contributed to the restoration of safety in war-torn areas.
Another crucial initiative led by KSrelief is the prosthetics program, which provides life-changing support to those who have suffered injuries in conflict zones. The program aims to restore mobility and dignity to individuals affected by violence and disaster, ensuring that they can reintegrate into society and lead fulfilling lives.
Dr. Al Rabeeah’s remarks at the media roundtable underscored Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian work, which extends far beyond borders. The Kingdom’s efforts in medical, educational, and humanitarian fields continue to make a significant impact globally, and the ongoing work of KSrelief is a testament to the leadership’s vision of a compassionate and globally responsible Saudi Arabia. The upcoming conference on conjoined twins is yet another step in Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in humanitarian aid and medical excellence, further solidifying the Kingdom’s reputation for fostering hope and providing care for those in need.
