ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — For nearly two years, sisters Hiyab and Wuhbto experienced childhood in a way few people ever could.

Born in Ethiopia as craniopagus twins—twins joined at the head—the sisters could not independently turn toward one another, sit separately, or experience many ordinary childhood activities.

In February 2026, an extraordinary medical effort in St. Louis changed that.

Surgeons at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital successfully separated the two-year-old sisters during a procedure that began February 24 and continued into February 25, lasting more than 24 hours from preparation through closure and recovery.

But the surgery was only one part of their journey.

Hiyab and Wuhbto arrived in St. Louis from Ethiopia shortly before their first birthday in March 2025 through an international pediatric humanitarian partnership.

Over the following year, physicians carefully prepared for their separation through approximately six staged procedures designed to address shared blood vessels and prepare tissue for the final operation.

Then came February 24,2026

The procedure began around 8 a.m., with the first incision made around 1 p.m. At approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 25, the sisters were separated.

Closure began around 4:30 a.m., with separate surgical teams working on each child.

By approximately 7:30 a.m., Hiyab and Wuhbto were transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit—in separate beds for the first time in their lives.

Their journey did not end in the operating room.

Following surgery, the girls began rehabilitation at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

There, they are working toward new milestones, including sitting independently, eventually standing and walking, eating, speaking, socializing and playing—including with one another.

For children who spent nearly two years physically connected, these opportunities represent an entirely new chapter.

The journey also required an international network of support.

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon provided the surgical care.

Ranken Jordan continues to provide rehabilitation.

World Pediatrics helped coordinate guardianship, advocacy, international logistics and the caregiver network.

Lola Children’s Home cared for the girls in Ethiopia, while Ronald McDonald House Charities and Ethiopian Airlines also contributed support.

Their biological parents were unable to travel to the United States, making the network of caregivers and advocates especially important throughout the girls’ treatment.

Today, their medical journey continues.

Wuhbto recently underwent a cranioplasty, while Hiyab is expected to undergo her own skull reconstruction later this fall.

Their story also has a connection to St. Louis history.

Ranken Jordan’s historical records document caring for conjoined twins preparing for separation at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 1977.

Nearly five decades later, another pair of conjoined twins arrived in St. Louis seeking specialized care.

The story of Hiyab and Wuhbto is not simply about one surgery or one hospital.

It is about what can happen when medical professionals, caregivers, advocates, nonprofits, donors and communities come together around children.

After nearly two years of being physically connected, two sisters are now beginning to discover life as individuals.

Two sisters. Two journeys. Two futures.

And a village that helped make those futures possible.