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We all know what twins and triplets are. Most us are familiar the terms quadruplets and quintuplets. But what is the word to describe nine babies being born the same time? The answer is... nonuplets. A 25-year-old Malian woman, Halima Cisse, has given birth to nine healthy babies. This is a new record. The previous record was a woman the US who delivered eight babies (octuplets) a single birth. People in Mali were avidly following the progress Ms Cisse's pregnancy and she was inundated well wishes. Malians were not the only ones who were pleasantly surprised when doctors announced the nonuplets. Ms Cisse was told she was only carrying seven babies (septuplets) having scans.

Ms Cisse's husband told the BBC that she is good health and that the babies (five boys and four girls) were doing well. Fanta Siby, Mali's health minister, congratulated the couple the "happy outcome". He also praised medical teams Morocco, which is where Ms Cisse gave birth. He also thanked Mali's president the "political leadership and generosity" which "expedited" support Halima. The outcome is wonderful news as it was a little touch-and-go the early stages the pregnancy. Gynecologists in Mali were concerned Ms Cisse's welfare and the chances her babies' survival. They sought the help the hospital Morocco where they believed she would receive better pre- and postnatal care.