From Fragile Beginnings to Bright Futures: Record-Breaking Nonuplets Set for School at Five
The world’s only surviving set of nonuplets, born in a historic delivery that stunned the medical community have turned five and are now gearing up for another milestone: starting school.
Global Mirror News gathered that the nine children, born to Halima Cissé and her husband Abdelkader Arby, made global headlines on May 4, 2021, after becoming the first known set of nine babies from a single birth to survive. Their remarkable story has been closely followed by Guinness World Records, which officially recognised the record.
Now five years later, the four boys and five girls are thriving, healthy, and full of energy — a testament to years of intensive care, parental dedication, and international support.
Speaking about her children’s progress, Cissé expressed gratitude and joy.
“The children are doing very well, Alhamdulillah. They are healthy, active, and full of joy,” she said, adding that they continue to grow beautifully.
She described their bond as strong and affectionate, noting that while they occasionally have minor disagreements typical of siblings, they remain deeply connected. According to her, each child has developed a distinct personality — some lively and expressive, others calm and observant yet they all share a close-knit relationship.
The next chapter for the record-breaking siblings is education. Their parents confirmed the children will soon begin school, marking a significant transition for the family.
“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,” Cissé added.
Their journey to survival began under extraordinary circumstances. Initially believed to be carrying seven babies, Doctors later discovered two more after Cissé was transferred to Morocco for specialised treatment. The babies were delivered prematurely at 30 weeks via Caesarean section in Casablanca, each weighing between 500 grams and one kilogram.
Due to their fragile condition at birth, the nonuplets required months of intensive neonatal care and remained under close medical supervision in Morocco before eventually returning home to Bamako, Mali.
Their father, Arby, had earlier expressed appreciation to the Malian Government for its financial and logistical support throughout the children’s early years.
“It’s a lot of work, but Allah, who gave us this blessing, will help us in raising and taking care of them,” he said.
The siblings, Bah, Oumar, Elhadji, Mohammed VI, Fatouma, Adama, Hawa, Oumou, and Kadidia have since grown into lively children, with periodic updates showing steady development and good health.
From a high-risk birth that captured global attention to a joyful childhood milestone, the nonuplets’ journey continues to inspire many around the world.
