President Edgar Lungu collapsed on the podium while presiding over a Women’s Day celebration in Lusaka on sunday, less than two months after he took over from a leader who died in office.
He was rushed to a military hospital, but the presidency later issued a statement saying he had been treated for malaria and there was no need for concern.“I am feeling much better and have beentold I have high levels of fatigue and should take some rest,” Lungu was quoted as saying in the statement, adding: “There is nothing to worry about.”
Lungu came to power in January after the death in office of president Michael Sata in October.
Rumours that Sata was ill had circulated widely before his death, but were always denied by the government.
Sata was Zambia’s second leader to die in office in six years, sparking calls for presidential aspirants to undergo medical checks to guarantee they are fit.
Lungu, who fell after standing for some 20 minutes during the ceremony, is rumoured to have diabetes.
Presidential spokesman Amos Chanda said doctors at the military hospital had conducted comprehensive medical checks and said Lungu’s results were good.