In a landmark achievement, Abu Dhabi has successfully hosted the complex surgical separation of conjoined twins from Nigeria. The life-saving surgery was performed at PureHealth’s Seha - Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi.
The emirate has consistently demonstrated its leadership in the global healthcare sector, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence and deep-rooted humanitarianism.
By forging partnerships with leading international organisations, Abu Dhabi continues to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare worldwide.
This commitment to global health is exemplified in the recent successful separation of conjoined twins from Nigeria. For the first time, after the final surgery, the girls could see each other face-to-face and play side by side.
The separation of the 15-month-old twins, born in Nigeria with their heads joined at the top, fused skulls, and intertwined brain tissue and blood vessels, was among the most complex procedures of its kind, requiring groundbreaking medical techniques as well as extraordinary surgical precision and planning.
Over six months, the girls underwent four surgeries involving more than 60 doctors and clinicians from the UAE, UK, Brazil, and Nigeria, including neurosurgeons, craniofacial surgeons, paediatricians, anaesthetists, nurses, radiologists, and rehabilitation therapists. Gemini Untwined, a charity that specialises in research and treatment of craniopagus twins, played a key role in coordinating and bringing clinical expertise to Abu Dhabi.
For several months in Abu Dhabi, multiple intricate surgeries were carried out, supported by cutting-edge imaging technology, advanced augmented reality simulations, and 3D printing. The technologies allowed the team to map the twins’ delicate vascular and neural systems – collaborating in a shared virtual reality environment from multiple countries. All the surgeries and treatments were successfully carried out at SKMC in Abu Dhabi.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: "This is more than a medical milestone; it is a story of compassion, courage, and global collaboration, a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to delivering healthcare that transforms lives."
"We are proud to have facilitated this global collaboration and to have hosted it in our country, where world-class talent and cutting-edge innovation come together to deliver hope. We also extend our gratitude to PureHealth for its philanthropic initiatives, which have been instrumental in making this possible. This is the UAE at its best – leading with compassion, driven by excellence," stated
Lauding the achievement, Al Hashimy said: "This remarkable achievement underscores the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in healthcare, where compassion meets leading medical expertise."
"The successful separation of Mercy and Goodness is not only a triumph of advanced medical science but also a testament to the power of international collaboration. It exemplifies the UAE's dedication to advancing healthcare for all, regardless of borders, and reinforces our commitment to delivering life-changing care with excellence, empathy, and innovation," he added.
Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Outstanding achievements such as these reflect the emirate’s pioneering capabilities, advanced infrastructure and notable medical competencies that have collectively reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for specialised healthcare. This achievement adds to the sector’s distinguished track record, serving as a testament to our global healthcare excellence, particularly in managing the most complex medical conditions. PureHealth Group’s accomplishments embody Abu Dhabi’s philanthropic and medical role in making a positive impact beyond geographical boundaries, through leveraging innovation, building strategic partnerships and harnessing combined expertise to advance the health and wellbeing of communities across the globe.”
Farhan Malik, Founder and Managing Director of PureHealth Group, said: "The journey of these two beautiful girls, Mercy and Goodness, reflects the very purpose at the heart of PureHealth. Their story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. At PureHealth, we are proud to be part of an industry where human impact defines success, and where putting patients first guides everything we do."
"Putting human life first is what we have learnt from our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and therefore giving back to the community is part of PureHealth’s DNA. I hope we all can work together for a vision to ensure that borders never define access to care," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
