The Saudi Medeval plane, marked: HZ-MS4C, yesterday airlifted the Kano conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina Hassan lsa, for surgical separation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Together with their mother and other family members, the conjoined babies departed through the Aminu Kano Airport, reports The Nation.
The story of the conjoined twins had touched the hearts of millions of people across the world, drawing attention for them to be urgently separated.
The twins are joined at the chest. And since they share vital organs, their separation will involve a delicate medical procedure, medical experts told our correspondent.
However, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSARelief) facilitated the surgical separation of the conjoined twins.
It was gathered since its inception in 1990, KSARelief has reviewed 133 sets of conjoined twins from 24 countries. 59 sets of such twins have been successfully separated by the Saudi programme, it was learnt.
A statement by the spokesman of the Saudi Embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, said “KSARelief, in collaboration with a Saudi team of renowned surgeons and medical professionals, has embarked on a journey to provide these two young lives with the opportunity for a brighter and healthier future.
“The surgery, scheduled to take place at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, will mark a groundbreaking moment in the field of pediatric surgery.
“The conjoined twins will undergo thorough medical evaluation, and a team of experts, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses, has been assembled to oversee the entire process.
“The twins’ family will be accommodated in Riyadh and a support system will be in place to provide comfort and assistance throughout the journey.
“This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian causes and its dedication to helping those in need, regardless of their nationality or background.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of providing international humanitarian aid, and is internationally recognised as one of the key countries responding to humanitarian crises.
“Over the years, the Kingdom’s leaders have followed all internationally accepted principles of neutrality, impartiality and universality in their provision of humanitarian assistance.
“The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre was established in 2015, and to date has delivered aid and relief to 94 countries through more than 2,500 projects.
“Saudi Arabia has given a great deal of attention to the healthcare needs of many other countries, including the unique Saudi conjoined twins Programme.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said it was committed to providing “all necessary humanitarian relief and aid to Nigeria for the betterment and interest of the brotherly and friendly Nigerian people.”
Kano State Governor Kabir Yusuf, was at the Aminu Kano Airport to bid farewell to the conjoined twins.
He said the conjoined twins were admitted at the Nasarawa State Hospital before their departure to Saudi Arabia for the operation.
The governor said the gesture by the Saudi Arabian government has demonstrated to the world that its kingdom’s humanitarian services are spread across the globe.
He wished the conjoined twins and the medical team safe trip to the Holy land.
“I commend the Saudi Kingdom for exhibiting humanitarian concern when such an assistance is mostly needed,” Yusuf said.
