Rosita Mabuiango, Mozambique's 'Miracle Tree Baby,' Dies at 25

The baby who survived the impossible has passed away. Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, known globally as the 'miracle baby' born in a tree during Mozambique's devastating 2000 floods, has died at the age of 25 after a prolonged illness.

The Legacy of Mozambique Miracle Baby Rosita

Rosita's sister, Celia Salvador, confirmed the news to the BBC, stating that Rosita died in a hospital on Monday morning. Family sources indicated she had been battling anaemia, a blood disorder, for several years. Her condition worsened recently, leading to a two-week hospitalization before her passing.

Rosita’s entry into the world was nothing short of extraordinary. In February 2000, as the Limpopo River burst its banks, her mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, climbed a tree to escape the rising waters. She remained there for four days without food, eventually giving birth to Rosita on a branch. Moments later, a South African military helicopter winched them both to safety, a moment captured on camera that became an enduring symbol of resilience.

A Symbol for a Nation and a Wake-up Call

President Daniel Chapo paid tribute, calling her a "symbol for girls in Mozambique." However, the tragedy has sparked debate regarding the country's healthcare system. Analyst Charles Mangwiro noted that her death is a "wake-up call" for the government to improve service delivery, as Mozambique's health professionals continue to struggle with shortages of essential materials and unpaid salaries.