Zambian president heads to South Africa for treatment

President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has left for a treatment facility in South Africa following his collapse while giving his speech at an International Women's Day in Lusaka on Sunday.

At the time of his collapse and admission to the hospital, Lungu's reps had said he had malaria, however his doctors would later say that he needed to undergo throat surgery abroad for a reoccurring medical condition.


Speaking before his departure, a day after his discharge from a local hospital Lungu had joked,

"I hope to come back alive, no-one wants to die."

He said further:

"I need to go for further tests and then if there will be need for further procedures such as surgery, they
will tell us"

Lungu was elected in January following the death of his predecessor Michael Sata. During the campaign, the 58-year-old denied reports that he was sick and offered to undergo a medical check-up.

However following his sudden collapse and imminent illness, BBC reports say some Zambians are concerned after the deaths of two serving presidents in six years.

They are however reassured by the regular medical updates on Mr Lungu's condition.