On May 4, 2026, the Cissé nonuplets from Mali celebrated their fifth birthday, marking a milestone as the only known set of nine babies born alive in a single birth. The children, born in 2021 to Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby, have been under medical care since birth.
The nonuplets—five girls and four boys—were delivered by cesarean section at a clinic in Casablanca, Morocco, due to Mali's limited medical facilities. Their birth was confirmed by Mali's health ministry and the Guinness World Records, which recognized them as the most children born alive at once.
As of their fifth birthday, all nine children are reported to be in good health, according to family statements. The parents have expressed gratitude for international support, including medical aid from Morocco and Mali.
The nonuplets' survival is considered a medical rarity, as multiple births of this size often face high risks. The family has requested privacy for the children's upbringing.
