World’s only surviving nonuplets turn five, set to start school
The world’s only surviving nonuplets marked their fifth birthday on Monday, May 4, as the nine siblings from Mali prepare to start school. Born to Halima Cissé at the Ain
The world’s only surviving nonuplets marked their fifth birthday on Monday, May 4, as the nine siblings from Mali prepare to start school.
Born to Halima Cissé at the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca, Morocco on May 4, 2021, the four boys and five girls are the first known set of nonuplets to survive birth, according to Guinness World Records.
In a birthday post on X, Guinness World Records noted the milestone, "Happy birthday to the Cisse nonuplets, who turn five today! On 4 May 2021, nine children were born to Halima Cisse (Mali) in the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca, Morocco. This is the first known incidence of nonpulets surviving birth".
The body also quoted their mother Halima, saying, "The children are doing very well, Alhamdulillah. They are healthy, active, and full of joy. They continue to grow beautifully, and we are very grateful".
Now back in Mali after extended medical support in Casablanca, the children, Bah, Oumar, Elhadji, Mohammed VI, Fatouma, Adama, Hawa, Oumou, and Kadidia are entering a new chapter.
Halima said starting school is an important and exciting step for them, “They will begin school soon, which is an important and exciting step for them. As parents, we are focusing on their education while making sure they continue to enjoy their childhood. This new stage is a big change for the family.”
Speaking about their bond, Halima said the siblings share a strong connection and spend most of their time playing together. "Like all siblings, they sometimes have small disagreements, but they are very united and caring towards one another".
She added that each child has a unique personality. "Some are more energetic and expressive, while others are calmer and more observant".
Doctors initially believed Cissé was carrying seven babies. Two more were discovered after she was transferred to Morocco for specialist care, where the nonuplets were delivered prematurely at 30 weeks via Caesarean section.
At birth, each baby weighed between 500 grams and one kilogram and required intensive medical care.
Over the past five years, updates from Guinness World Records have shown the siblings growing steadily, developing distinct personalities and remaining healthy.
