Explainer: How Woman Set Guinness World Record Delivering Nonuplets

A Guinness World Record was set when Halima Cisse, a Malian woman, gave birth to nine babies at the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca, Morocco. This unprecedented event marks the first known instance of nonuplets surviving birth.

Background and medical journey

Halima Cisse’s remarkable journey began in Mali, where doctors initially believed she was carrying septuplets. Following a government directive on March 30, 2021, Cisse was transferred to the Ain Borja clinic, known for its specialist care. It was there that the medical team discovered she was expecting nine babies.

The birth

On May 4, 2021, Cisse delivered the nonuplets—five girls and four boys—via Caesarean section at 30 weeks of pregnancy. The babies, each weighing between 500 grams and 1 kilogram (1.1 to 2.2 pounds), were immediately placed in incubators under the supervision of paediatric neonatologist Khalil Msaif.

Health and aftercare

Mali’s health minister, Dr. Fanta Siby, confirmed shortly after the birth that both the mother and her nine newborns were in good health. The father, Adjutant Kader Arby, a sailor in the Malian Navy, remained in Mali to care for their older daughter, Souda.

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Family life and public interest

By October 2021, the family shared photographs showcasing their nine children: girls Adama, Oumou, Hawa, Kadidia, and Fatouma, and boys Oumar, Elhadji, Bah, and Mohammed VI. “All of them are getting on very well and are a joy to look after,” said Arby.

Significance of the event

The birth of the Cisse nonuplets is a rare medical phenomenon. Until this event, there had been no recorded cases of nine babies from a single birth surviving for more than a few hours. This case underscores the advancements in neonatal care and the resilience of both mother and infants.

Continued celebrations

cisse-nonuplets-and-mother. Photo. GWR

The nonuplets, now a symbol of hope and human endurance, celebrated milestones such as their first and third birthdays with global attention. Their story continues to inspire, reminding the world of the incredible capabilities of mothers and medical professionals alike.