The story of conjoined twins from Senegal and their ongoing fight for life is being featured in a new BBC documentary
BBC unveiled “Inseparable Sisters,” a documentary exploring the extraordinary lives of Marieme and Ndeye, conjoined twins from Senegal born in 2016. Their story is a testament to their father Ibrahima’s unwavering determination to ensure their survival against all odds.
After their birth, Ibrahima was advised by Senegalese doctors to seek surgery in the United Kingdom as the twins’ best chance for survival; they share a pair of legs and a pelvis. Conjoined twins often face immense survival challenges, with many not surviving infancy. Yet, Ibrahima’s resolve never wavered. “I was preparing myself to lose them very quickly,” he recounts in the documentary, emphasizing his commitment to support them through their journey. Recognizing early on that his daughters were fighters, clinging to life with remarkable tenacity.
The family reached out to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, renowned for its expertise in treating conjoined twins. However, the anticipated surgery was deemed too risky due to complications, especially concerning Marieme’s heart, which likely wouldn’t withstand the procedure. Facing the grim prognosis without surgery, Ibrahima made the life-altering decision to move to the UK, ensuring his daughters received continuous care, even at the cost of leaving his family and career in Senegal behind.
Ibrahima describes this pivotal moment as acting on “parental responsibility” and “following my heart,” dedicated to being there for Marieme and Ndeye. Now seven years old, the twins attend school in Cardiff, Wales, integrating with peers and receiving the specialized care they need. Despite their shared body, each twin possesses her own heart and spinal cord, and they are learning to walk and stand independently.
Their survival is not just a medical marvel but a shining example of the depth of a parent’s love and sacrifice. Marieme and Ndeye’s story, captured in “Inseparable Sisters,” highlights their incredible journey and the family’s courage, challenging the boundaries of medical science and human resilience. “Inseparable Sisters” is now playing on BBC.
