Zambian president to undergo medical evaluation in South Africa

Zambian President Edgar Lungu said on Tuesday that he will travel to South Africa for an evaluation over his health condition.

The Zambian president told reporters at a school in Lusaka where he had gone to witness the filing of nomination papers by a governing party candidate for a parliamentary election that he will travel to South Africa for medical purposes.

"I am feeling much better, no wonder I am here. I will travel to South Africa this afternoon where doctors will decide how to treat my condition. I will come back alive, who wants to die," he said.

Lungu was admitted at a military hospital after he reportedly collapsed while delivering a speech to mark International Women Day on Sunday and he left Maina Soko Military Hospital on Monday night.

The 58-year-old leader was treated for low blood sugar level that emanated from a suspected recurrence of the narrowing of esophagus as well as fatigue and traces of malaria parasites that were initially suspected.

Doctors have since recommended that Lungu undertake specialized treatment abroad and his office said it was still evaluating the advice and will on Wednesday decided when he will undergo the recommended treatment.

Lungu was initially diagnosed with the narrowing of the esophagus 30 years ago for which he was treated. Endi