On 30 March 2021, two conjoined twins were delivered at the Nsawam Government Hospital and later transferred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH). The twins were conjoined at the head, also known as craniopagus, a rare form of conjoined twins. However, this set of twins had chances of survival after a medical assessment was made.

Surgery was scheduled to separate the two, so they could also live normal lives. One hundred sixty-six surgeons and medical professionals were put together to undertake this historical procedure.

This procedure could not be possible without the need for blood products. This is where the Blood Service played a considerable role by supporting the Ridge Hospital to get the needed blood products. The blood type required for the twins was B+. Each child required one (1) unit of fresh whole blood (if possible); five (5) units of concentrated red cells (CRCs); ten (10) units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP); ten (10) units of cryoprecipitate; and ten (10) units of platelets. These products were needed for each of the first three (3) stages of the surgery and will be doubled for the final separation.

Through its Donor Contact Centre and social media outlets, the National Blood Service called on generous non-remunerated voluntary donors with the same blood group as the twins to support their surgery by donating blood. We are very much grateful to all those who heeded the call and made efforts to give blood within that period.

Twelve (12) units of whole blood paediatric packs, 22 units of CRCs paediatric packs, 31 platelets units, 6 units of FFPs and 10 units of cryoprecipitate were provided by the Southern Zonal Blood Centre for the surgery. More blood products will be needed for the recovery stage. Therefore, we continue to call on all donors with B+ blood group and any other blood type to donate blood to ensure the complete safety of the twins.