MAPUTO, Mozambique — Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, famously known as the “miracle baby” born in a tree during Mozambique’s devastating floods of 2000, has died at the age of 25 after a prolonged illness, her family confirmed.
A Birth Amid Disaster
Rosita’s story captured global attention when her mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, went into labor while stranded in a tree above floodwaters in Chibuto, southern Mozambique.
- The family had climbed to safety as the Limpopo River burst its banks, displacing hundreds of thousands.
- With no food and surrounded by rising waters, Carolina gave birth in the early hours of February 2000.
- A South African military helicopter winched mother and child to safety, creating one of the most iconic images of Mozambique’s worst flood disaster.
Later that year, Carolina and Rosita traveled to the United States, where they addressed Congress to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis.
Rosita’s Life
Rosita grew up in Chibuto, graduated from high school, and became a mother herself five years ago. Despite government promises to fund her education, she was unable to secure a scholarship to study petrochemical engineering.
Her family said she had battled anaemia for years, and her mother added she also suffered from tuberculosis. Rosita died in hospital after more than two weeks of treatment.
National Mourning
President Daniel Chapo described Rosita as “a symbol for girls in Mozambique”, extending condolences to her family and the nation.
Chibuto’s mayor, Henriques Machava, announced that the municipality would take responsibility for funeral arrangements.
A Wake‑Up Call on Healthcare
Political analyst Charles Mangwiro said Rosita’s death highlights the fragility of Mozambique’s health system:
- Chronic shortages of drugs and equipment.
- Unpaid salaries for medical staff.
- Overstretched facilities despite recent recruitment of health workers.
He called her passing a “wake‑up call for the government to improve service delivery.”
Legacy
Rosita’s birth was once a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of disaster. Her death now underscores the urgent need for stronger healthcare systems in Mozambique, ensuring that future generations of “miracle children” can live full, healthy lives.