In a remarkable feat, 70-year-old Safina Namukwaya of Uganda has defied expectations, achieving the title of one of the world's oldest new mothers after successfully giving birth to twins through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The momentous occasion unfolded on Wednesday at a hospital in Kampala, where Ms Namukwaya underwent the fertility treatment.
The twins, a boy and a girl, were delivered via cesarean section, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine. The Women's Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC), where Ms Namukwaya received IVF treatment, congratulated her, emphasizing that the achievement went beyond a mere "medical success" and symbolized the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Dr Edward Tamale Sali, a fertility specialist at WHI&FC, shared insights into the unique case, revealing that the mother utilized a donor egg and her partner's sperm for the IVF procedure. Despite being born prematurely at 31 weeks, the twins were placed in incubators and are currently reported as "stable."
In a statement on their Facebook page, WHI&FC celebrated the historic event, highlighting the significance of delivering twins to Africa's oldest mother. The post read, "This historic event, a baby boy and girl, not only marks our two decades of leadership in IVF but also sets us apart as the premier fertility centre in Africa. Namukwaya delivered her babies today on Wednesday 29th November at 12:04 pm. Mother and babies are all well."
Ms Namukwaya's journey to motherhood has been marked by determination and resilience. According to the BBC, this is her second delivery in three years, having given birth to a baby girl in 2020. The report further noted that her decision to undergo fertility treatment was fueled by a desire to have children after facing ridicule for being childless.
The extraordinary achievement of becoming a mother to twins at the age of 70 not only breaks medical records but also serves as an inspiration for those who believe in the enduring strength of the human spirit.