The world’s only surviving nonuplets turn 5

By Bukola Hameed

The world’s first surviving set of nonuplets has officially turned five.

The nine children, comprising four boys and five girls, were born on May 4, 2021, in Morocco to Mrs. Arby Halima Oumar Cissé and Abdelkader Arby, and remain the only known nonuplets to survive birth, according to Guinness World Records.

They celebrated their fifth birthday quietly at home in Mali with their family. The children are Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, Bah, Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, and Oumou.

Born prematurely at 30 weeks via caesarean section, each baby weighed between 1.1 and 2.2 pounds. After birth, the family stayed in Morocco for 19 months in a specially equipped apartment with nursing care.

According to their mother, all the children are doing well. She noted that each child has a unique personality—some are calm, while others are more active and demand attention.

She also explained that the pregnancy occurred naturally and shared that one of the biggest challenges ahead is helping the children integrate into society, especially as they prepare to begin school.