PureHealth led the separation of craniopagus twins in Abu Dhabi.
The 15‑month‑old twins, born in Nigeria, arrived at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) for a series of operations that lasted six months. Over that period the team carried out four surgeries, ultimately allowing the girls to see each other face‑to‑face and play side by side.
Complex surgery brings Nigerian twins together
The operation was described as one of the most intricate of its kind. The twins’ heads were joined at the top, with fused skulls and intertwined brain tissue and blood vessels. Specialists had to plan each step with extraordinary precision, drawing on advanced medical techniques.
More than 60 doctors and clinicians from the UAE, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Nigeria participated. The roster included neurosurgeons, craniofacial surgeons, paediatricians, anaesthetists, nurses, radiologists and rehabilitation therapists. Their combined effort turned a daunting medical challenge into a life‑saving outcome.
International team and technology drive success
Gemini Untwined, a charity focused on craniopagus twins, coordinated the clinical expertise that arrived in Abu Dhabi. The team relied on advanced imaging technology, augmented reality simulations and 3D‑printed models to map the twins’ delicate vascular and neural structures. These tools enabled surgeons in different countries to collaborate in a shared virtual environment.
All procedures were completed at SKMC, showcasing the emirate’s capacity to host complex, multinational medical projects. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, praised the effort.
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.
— Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation
Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, highlighted the achievement as a testament to the UAE’s growing role in global healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
Who led the separation of the Nigerian twins in Abu Dhabi?
PureHealth led the complex separation of the 15-month-old Nigerian twins at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
Where were the 15-month-old Nigerian twins separated?
The separation surgeries took place at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi.
How many surgeries did the Nigerian twins undergo?
The team performed four surgeries over a period of six months to successfully separate the twins.
What technology assisted the separation of the twins?
Specialists used advanced imaging, augmented reality simulations, and 3D-printed models to plan the operations.
