Medical teams and partners have recently reflected on the historic separation of Senegalese twins Dior and Thiaba, an exceptional procedure carried out in Italy in June 2025. The operation was characterized by an unprecedented level of international medical expertise and solidarity.
A Complex International Effort
The surgery took place at the San Gerardo de Monza hospital and required over 40 hours of intensive operation. This critical phase was preceded by 14 months of meticulous preparation.
Carlo Giussani, the chief of the neurosurgery service at the hospital, highlighted the magnitude of the challenge, stating, “We went to the moon and back.”
The operation was funded with three million euros by Mouhamad Dieng, a Senegalese businessman and philanthropist. The effort mobilized several institutions, including the World Craniofacial Foundation, Smile House Fondazione ETS, and the Fondation MRD.
Outcomes and Medical Challenges
Despite the extensive efforts of the medical teams, Thiaba, who was the more fragile of the two twins, did not survive the procedure.
Surgeon Domenico Scopelliti underscored the extreme risks involved in such cases, explaining that without the operation, there would have been no prospect of survival for either child.
For Dior, though, the outcome has been positive. She is currently continuing her rehabilitation in Italy, with specialists reporting encouraging progress.
Significance and Global Solidarity
The rarity of this medical event is underscored by the fact that this type of separation has been performed only about sixty times worldwide since 1950.
Mouhamad Dieng emphasized the importance of “the power of science guided by compassion” and the necessity of solidarity in such interventions.
Through the Fondation MRD, established in 2022, Dieng continues to work toward improving living conditions and access to healthcare for vulnerable populations within Senegal.
Future Outlook
As Dior continues her recovery, her progress may provide further insights into the long-term rehabilitation of such rare cases. The collaboration between Italian and Senegalese medical entities could potentially serve as a framework for future international healthcare initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the separation surgery performed?
The surgical separation of Dior and Thiaba took place in June 2025 in Italy.
Who provided the funding for the operation?
The operation was funded with three million euros by the Senegalese businessman and philanthropist Mouhamad Dieng.
How rare is this medical condition?
This type of case is estimated to occur in approximately one out of every 2.5 million births, with only about sixty such separations performed globally since 1950.
How can international solidarity further bridge the gap in healthcare for the world’s most vulnerable populations?
