The world’s only surviving set of nonuplets has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating their fifth birthday on May 4 as they prepare to begin formal education.
Born to Malian mother Halima Cissé on May 4, 2021, at the Ain Borja Clinic in Casablanca, Morocco, the nine children—four boys and five girls—made global headlines as the first known nonuplets to survive birth, a record confirmed by Guinness World Records.
Marking the occasion, Guinness World Records shared a celebratory message, highlighting the rarity of the birth and the children’s continued progress over the years.
Reflecting on their journey, Halima expressed gratitude for their health and development. She noted that the children are thriving, describing them as active, joyful, and growing well under the family’s care.
After spending extended time in Morocco receiving specialised medical support, the family has since returned to Mali, where the children—Bah, Oumar, Elhadji, Mohammed VI, Fatouma, Adama, Hawa, Oumou, and Kadidia—are set to embark on a new phase of life.
According to their mother, starting school represents a significant and exciting transition. She explained that the family is prioritising education while ensuring the children continue to enjoy their early years.
Halima also highlighted the strong bond among the siblings, noting that while minor disagreements occur, they remain deeply connected and supportive of one another. Each child, she added, is developing a distinct personality, with some more energetic and expressive, and others calm and observant.
The nonuplets’ birth was initially thought to involve seven babies, but two additional infants were discovered after Halima was transferred to Morocco for advanced care. Delivered prematurely at 30 weeks via Caesarean section, each newborn weighed between 500 grams and one kilogram and required intensive medical attention.
Five years on, updates from Guinness World Records indicate that all nine children are in good health, continuing to grow and develop as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.