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The BBC's Kirsten Magasdi
"It was no ordinary birth"
 real 28k

The BBC's Greg Barrow reports
"Baby Rosita became an instant global celebrity"
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Monday, 17 July, 2000, 11:44 GMT 12:44 UK
Miracle baby flies to US
Baby Rositha
Baby Rositha: 'Symbol of determination to survive'
Baby Rositha Pedro, the little girl born on top of a tree as floods ravaged Mozambique in February, is set to visit the United States.

A Mozambican Foreign Ministry statement said Rositha, her mother and a translator will leave on Monday for the US.


The birth of Rositha and of other children represent the great determination of our nation to survive

Mozambican Foreign Ministry

Rositha and her mother were rescued by a South African helicopter crew shortly after the baby's birth on top of a tree.

The rescue was captured by a television crew and the footage was broadcast worldwide.

Rescue

Her mother had climbed the tree to escape the floods that left nearly 700 people dead and millions rendered homeless.

Thousands of people climbed trees or rooftops to escape from the rising flood waters.

The airlift
Sofia Pedro being airlifted to safety
Many had to wait for days before being rescued by helicopters or boats.

During the 10-day visit, the baby will receive medical treatment paid for by a University a charity and a hotel chain, and her mother will participate in activities to raise funds for Rositha's education.

A foreign ministry statement said "the birth of Rosita and of other children during the floods represent the great determination of our nation to survive and grow up."

Mozambique's Minister for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Virginia Matabele, said the trip to the US was organised because people wanted to see the baby.

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See also:

03 May 00 | Africa
Mozambique picks up the pieces
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