In a remarkable turn of events, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, has given birth to twins, marking what her doctor heralds as an extraordinary feat in Africa's oldest motherhood journey.
Dr. Edward Tamale Sali, overseeing her pregnancy and delivery at the Women's Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, expressed awe at the remarkable achievement. The twins, a boy and a girl, were born on Wednesday following fertility treatment.
Namukwaya, living in the rural area of Masaka, shared her immense joy and disbelief at giving birth to twins at an age when conventional norms suggest otherwise. She conveyed her astonishment and gratitude for the miraculous event, considering her age and societal perceptions about pregnancy at 70.
Having previously given birth to a girl in 2020 after facing social stigma, Namukwaya reflected on her journey, recounting the challenges she faced as a woman previously unable to conceive. Widowed in 1992 and childless until 2020, she met her current partner in 1996, marking a significant chapter in her life.
However, amidst the elation of welcoming twins, Namukwaya expressed disappointment as her partner has not visited her since she arrived at the hospital for delivery. Speculating on his absence, she voiced concerns about societal pressures and the potential reluctance of men to accept the responsibilities associated with multiple births.
The mother and her newborns continue to receive care at the medical facility, with reports confirming their good health despite the unique circumstances surrounding their birth.
