Conjoined twins, Eusthocia and Eaustina, were born on Friday in a rural Papua New Guinea’s small hospital. Their mom, Fatima Kevin, had a caesarean surgery to deliver the boys. The twins’ birth is extraordinary, though, since conjoined twins are estimated to occur in only about one of every 50,000 births. They are still in the process of scans in Port Moresby with plans for them to eventually travel to Sydney for ongoing medical attention.
The delivery took place at a hospital that didn’t have an ICU. It was severely under resourced for the most critically ill infants. Merolyn Koi, the midwife who caught Roberta’s baby, said she was shocked to find the birth environment was so dire.
“Helping with the birth of conjoined twins is something we have never expected or experienced here at the hospital,” – Merolyn Koi.
Dr. Kovei Umba, one of the physicians who delivered the twins, had serious doubts about their survival. The very nature of the condition they were facing made him question it vehemently. He continued that they were fused together from the top of their breastbone down to their belly-button and had a single liver.
“They were joined from the top of their breastbone to the belly-button, and they shared a liver,” – Barrie Cooper.
Medical Journey Ahead
Immediately after they were delivered Eusthocia and Eaustina were flown to Braun Hospital in Melbourne for a life-saving procedure. The life-threatening conditions that structured their birth set off alarms among health care workers. Fatima Kevin and her family were airlifted from the rural hospital to Port Moresby within hours. They pursued other forms of medical treatment in the days following her birth.
“On Friday, my water broke and they had to do a caesarean operation for me to have my babies,” – Fatima Kevin.
Our twins have taken to breastfeeding like champs! This provides us reassurance that they are healthy as they prepare to undergo additional medical examinations, evaluations and procedures. Their parents continue to be hopeful as they both take this new, exciting, and challenging ride.
Community Support and Concerns
The creation of Eusthocia and Eaustina has thrilled countless women and children throughout Papua New Guinea. Faithful demonstrators continue to swarm, praying and pushing for a speedy recovery for the twins’ mothers. The metro community is unquestionably at their back, but now is a very important time for them to demonstrate that.
“I ask all Papua New Guineans to continue keeping these twin boys in our thoughts and prayers, as their doctors navigate the delicate journey that lies ahead in their very young lives,” – source not found.
Medical personnel are already making arrangements for the twins’ transfer to Sydney. At the same time, alarm has been growing about the complexities of treating conjoined twins. The need for that kind of specialized, tailored care is evident. Local and international medical teams are preparing to meet the extensive, ongoing needs that lie ahead.
