A remarkable medical and human story has reached a new milestone as the world’s only surviving set of nonuplets celebrated their fifth birthday on Monday, May 4, while preparing to begin formal education in Mali.

The nine siblings—four boys and five girls—were born on May 4, 2021, to Halima Cissé at the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca, Morocco. Their birth remains historically significant, with Guinness World Records recognising them as the first known set of nonuplets to survive childbirth.

Marking the occasion, Guinness World Records shared a tribute on X, writing:
“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 organisation also quoted their mother, Halima Cissé, who reflected on their health and development:
“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 receiving extended medical care in Morocco, the children—Bah, Oumar, Elhadji, Mohammed VI, Fatouma, Adama, Hawa, Oumou, and Kadidia—are entering a new phase of life as they prepare to start school.

Their mother described the transition as a significant step for the family, noting both the excitement and responsibility that comes with it:
“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.”

She also shared insights into their daily lives, describing a strong sibling bond shaped by constant interaction and shared experiences.
“Like all siblings, they sometimes have small disagreements, but they are very united and caring towards one another,” she said.

Halima further explained that each child is developing a distinct personality, with some showing more energetic and expressive traits while others are calmer and more observant.

The nonuplets’ birth was itself a rare medical occurrence. Initially, doctors believed Halima was carrying seven babies, but two additional infants were discovered after she was transferred to Morocco for specialised care. The children were delivered prematurely at around 30 weeks via Caesarean section.

At birth, each infant weighed between 500 grams and one kilogram and required intensive neonatal care. Their survival was considered an extraordinary medical achievement.

Over the past five years, updates from Guinness World Records have continued to document their progress, showing steady growth, healthy development, and increasingly distinct personalities—turning what began as a critical medical case into a globally followed story of resilience and family life.