On May 4, 2021, the world witnessed a moment of history when Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby, a couple from Mali, learned that they were expecting not just one or two, but seven babies. However, what followed would exceed anyone’s expectations — Halima gave birth to nine babies. Known as Les Nonuplés, these nine babies made history by becoming the first known set of surviving nonuplets, achieving a Guinness World Record.

Their birth was a miracle, especially considering that each of the nonuplets was born prematurely at just 30 weeks, weighing less than a pound. The odds of survival were incredibly slim, and yet, the babies fought for their lives, surpassing expectations. Now, four years later, the world is still captivated by their progress, growth, and the milestones they’ve achieved.

As the Nonuplets celebrate their fourth birthday, we reflect on their extraordinary journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the joy they bring to their family, country, and the entire world.

A World Record Birth: The Surprising Arrival of Les Nonuplés

The Cissé-Arby family’s journey to becoming a global sensation began when Halima went for a routine ultrasound, expecting to hear the news of seven babies. However, doctors discovered that Halima was carrying more than they anticipated: she was pregnant with nine babies.

The news was both shocking and overwhelming, as no one had expected this rare and extraordinary event. Nine babies in one pregnancy is a one-in-a-billion occurrence. The medical team in Morocco, where Halima was receiving treatment, was immediately put to work, preparing for what would become a high-risk and highly complex delivery.

In April 2021, Halima was rushed to a hospital in Morocco, where she underwent a high-risk delivery. Despite the odds, Halima successfully delivered all nine babies, who were immediately placed into neonatal intensive care units (NICU) due to their premature birth. The world watched in awe as doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to give these tiny miracles the best chance at survival.

Watch Meet the Miracle Nonuplets – Guinness World Records to see the incredible story of the world’s only known set of nonuplets—an unforgettable moment in history!

The Road to Survival: A Challenging Start in Morocco

The survival of Les Nonuplés seemed like an impossible feat. Born at just 30 weeks gestation, each baby weighed under 500 grams (a little over a pound). The babies were incredibly fragile, and their odds of survival were incredibly slim.

For the first 19 months of their lives, the nonuplets remained in specialized neonatal care in Morocco. The tiny infants were closely monitored, receiving life-saving treatments and constant attention from medical teams. With each passing day, the babies’ conditions improved, though they faced significant hurdles along the way. Premature infants often have underdeveloped lungs, hearts, and digestive systems, which made their survival even more miraculous.

Yet, against all odds, each baby survived and grew stronger with time. Their resilience and the exceptional care they received in Morocco became a source of inspiration worldwide, and people from around the globe began to follow their story.

The Miracle Babies: Introducing the Nonuplets by Name

As Les Nonuplés began to thrive, the world grew more fascinated by these miracle babies. The couple proudly introduced their children to the world. The babies’ names were announced as follows: Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, Oumou, Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, and Bah. They are a mix of five girls and four boys, each with their own distinct personalities, making them all the more endearing.

Despite the challenges they faced as newborns, the nonuplets are growing up into unique individuals, showing early signs of their personalities. Their bright smiles, boundless energy, and playful nature have continued to captivate their parents, who are amazed by how far their children have come.

From the NICU to Thriving Toddlers: Their First Four Years

Fast-forward to May 2025, and the nonuplets have already celebrated their fourth birthday. Now toddlers, they are energetic, lively, and full of curiosity. With each passing day, they continue to show remarkable growth and development. Their four-year milestone is nothing short of incredible.

The four-year-olds are now exploring the world around them, showing a healthy interest in play, learning, and socializing. Their parents have shared moments of joy and pride, watching them celebrate their fourth birthday with balloons, cake, and the kind of joy only a milestone birthday can bring.

The nonuplets are thriving, growing up healthy and happy, a true testament to the power of hope, care, and human resilience.

The Power of Family Support: From Care to Celebration

Throughout their journey, the Cissé-Arby family has received unwavering support from medical professionals, the government of Mali, and a global community that has followed their story. The babies’ survival would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of the medical team in Morocco, as well as the ongoing support from their extended family.

Their family bond has been a crucial element in their success. Halima and Abdelkader, along with their extended family, have supported each other through sleepless nights, hospital visits, and the overwhelming nature of raising nine children. Despite the challenges, they have remained positive, focused on giving their children the best life possible.

Their support network has grown even stronger as the nonuplets celebrated their fourth birthday. With every new achievement, the family and the world around them have shared in the joy of their survival and growth.

Watch First Pregnancy: Three Babies at Once! to witness the incredible journey of a mother —this heartwarming story is a must-see!

Global Reaction: The World Watches and Celebrates Their Milestone

The journey of Les Nonuplés has been watched closely by millions of people worldwide. The nonuplets’ story has not only captured the hearts of their family and country but has also inspired people across the globe. Their birth and survival have shown the power of medical science and human resilience.

The family’s journey has been shared widely on social media platforms, with well-wishers sending messages of support and admiration. People from different cultures, backgrounds, and regions have come together to celebrate the miracles of Les Nonuplés.

Social media has been flooded with messages of hope, love, and congratulations as the nonuplets grow older. As their story continues to unfold, the world remains captivated by their remarkable journey.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Nonuplets and Their Family?

As the nonuplets celebrate their fourth birthday, questions arise about what the future holds for them. Raising nine children, especially nine toddlers, comes with its own set of challenges, but the Cissé-Arby family is determined to face them head-on.

The future of the nonuplets is filled with promise and hope. As they grow, their parents will continue to provide them with the love, care, and attention they need to thrive. Their story is far from over, and the world will continue to watch as these miraculous children grow and achieve more milestones.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Hope and Resilience

The story of Les Nonuplés is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of medical science. Against all odds, nine babies were born, survived, and are now thriving four years later. Their journey has inspired millions and continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of hope, family, and support.

As we celebrate the nonuplets’ fourth birthday, we are reminded of the incredible strength of this family and the enduring miracle of their survival. Their story will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us all that even the most extraordinary challenges can be overcome with love, dedication, and a little bit of hope.