Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, widely known as Mozambique’s “miracle baby” after being born in a tree during the devastating floods of 2000, has died at the age of 25 following a long illness, her family has confirmed.
Rosita became a powerful symbol of survival after images of her and her mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, being rescued by helicopter from floodwaters spread around the world. At the time, Carolina had climbed into a tree to escape rising waters after the Limpopo River burst its banks, triggering Mozambique’s worst flooding on record.
In February 2000, the floods claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people across southern Mozambique. Carolina, who was heavily pregnant, spent four days stranded in a tree with her children and other villagers, without food, as they waited for help.
In the early hours of a Wednesday morning, Carolina went into labour. Shortly after Rosita was born, a South African military helicopter involved in rescue operations spotted them and airlifted mother and child to safety. Footage of the rescue quickly became one of the most iconic images of the disaster.
Later that year, Carolina and Rosita travelled to the United States, where they addressed the US Congress to raise awareness about the floods and their impact on Mozambique.
Confirming Rosita’s death on Monday, her sister Celia Salvador told the BBC that she passed away after a prolonged illness. Other family members said Rosita had been suffering from anaemia for several years and had been hospitalised for more than two weeks before her death.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo paid tribute to Rosita, describing her as a symbol of hope and resilience for girls across the country. He extended condolences to her family and to the nation.
Rosita grew up in Chibuto, the same rural area where she was born, and completed her high school education there. She later became a mother herself, giving birth to a daughter five years ago.
Political analyst Charles Mangwiro said her death highlighted broader challenges within Mozambique’s healthcare system, calling it a reminder of the need for improved service delivery. Despite recent efforts to recruit more health workers, analysts say the system remains under strain, with shortages of essential medicines and equipment.
Chibuto Mayor Henriques Machava said discussions were ongoing with the family to finalise funeral arrangements, which the municipality is expected to support.
