DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 10 -- MUHIMBILI National Hospital (MNH) has successfully separated parasitic conjoined twins for the first time, marking a milestone in Tanzanias specialised paediatric surgery.

The three-hour operation separated an underdeveloped twin that lacked vital organs and depended on the healthy baby for blood supply.

Speaking after the surgery yesterday, paediatric surgeon Dr Victor Ngota said the case differed from other conjoined-twin operations at MNH because only one of the twins had developed sufficiently to survive independently.

Dr Ngota said conjoined twins occur when identical twins fail to separate completely during the early stages of pregnancy.

He said the parasitic twin lacked vital organs, including a proper...