Zambian President Edgar Lungu was diagnosed with malaria Sunday after he collapsed during an International Women’s Day ceremony.
Lungu stood at a reviewing stand for about 20 minutes as a group of women marched past before he fell to the ground.
His security team whisked him away for immediate medical attention, as he is known to be a diabetic patient. However, about 10 minutes later, his press aide, Amos Chanda, announced that the Lungu had been diagnosed with malaria.
Later, after being resuscitated, was visibly weak, but still took to the podium to tell the audience that he was unwell. He urged Zambians not to panic.
He also said celebrations for the Women’s day should proceed and promised to see the people tomorrow.
Lungu took over the reigns of power on January 25, succeeding Michael Sata, who died in London last October.