Urgent appeal from Port Moresby
In Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, a family is appealing to the world for help. Tom and Sawong, twin boys joined at the abdomen, were born on October 9 and face a life-changing challenge: a successful surgical separation remains uncertain, and time is running out. The parents have described their sons’ condition as delicate and complex, requiring specialized medical care that is scarce in their country.
Why separation surgery is so critical
Conjoined twins can share vital organs or body tissues, making every surgical option a careful, high-risk decision. For Tom and Sawong, preparation for any separation would involve a multidisciplinary team—surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pediatric specialists, and intensive post-operative care. Worldwide, a successful separation can dramatically improve quality of life, enabling the twins to breathe, eat, and move independently. But such procedures are not simple, and they come with significant risks, including complications that could affect both children.
What makes this case unique
While many conjoined twins are joined at the chest or back, Tom and Sawong are connected at the abdomen. That anatomical layout introduces particular surgical challenges, including shared abdominal walls and potential shared organs. Hospitals with experience in complex separations often require extensive pre-operative planning, including 3D imaging to map shared structures and meticulous post-operative rehabilitation. For families in PNG, securing access to this level of expertise is a major barrier.
Local realities and international hopes
Port Moresby General Hospital is doing what it can with the resources available, but experts warn that life-saving separation would likely necessitate treatment abroad. International medical teams and donor hospitals have occasionally partnered with families in similar situations, offering specialized facilities, equipment, and critical expertise absent in smaller or lower-income nations. The Papua New Guinea family’s plea is therefore twofold: raise funds for travel, treatment, and aftercare, and attract the attention of medical centers capable of taking on the complex case.
What the parents are asking for
The parents have called for urgent financial support to cover overseas consultation, imaging, surgical planning, the operation itself, and subsequent hospitalisation or rehabilitation. They emphasize that any delay could reduce the odds of a safe separation, underscoring the date-stamped urgency of their appeal. They are not seeking a quick fix; they are asking for a pathway to a highly skilled, life-enhancing procedure that must be performed under optimal conditions.
How you can help
Global audiences can contribute in several ways. Financial donations to recognized medical charities or direct funding through trusted NGOs can help cover travel, visa, medical costs, and long-term care. Spreading awareness through reliable outlets can attract medical experts who may review the case and potentially offer pro bono or subsidised support. Family friends and advocates are organizing awareness drives, social media campaigns, and fundraising events to mobilize resources beyond their local community.
What the journey could look like
If a surgical plan is confirmed, the immediate focus would be safely separating the twins while preserving their health and development. The weeks following surgery would require intensive monitoring, nutrition, and physical therapy. The long-term goal is for Tom and Sawong to grow into independent individuals with the opportunity to pursue education, play, and daily activities separated from the current, shared medical burden. The family remains hopeful that with global solidarity, a life-saving path can emerge.
Context and compassion
Stories like Tom and Sawong’s underscore the disparities that exist in access to specialized pediatric surgery. They also highlight the power of global empathy and collective action. When families face extraordinary medical decisions with limited local resources, international support can be a lifeline. The world’s response to this plea will be measured not only by funds raised but by the willingness of medical communities to collaborate, evaluate, and, if possible, intervene with care and expertise.
