JOHANNESBURG, March 29- Former South African president Nelson Mandela was responding to medical treatment for a recorrence of a lung infection, Xinhua news agency reported.
“The doctors advise that former President Nelson Mandela is responding positively to the treatment he is undergoing for a recurring lung infection. He remains under treatment and observation in hospital,” Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
“The Presidency thanks the media and the public for their cooperation in respecting the privacy of Madiba and his family,” Maharaj said. Mandela was admitted to hospital on Wednesday night.
The Presidency said earlier that “doctors are attending to him, ensuring that he has the best possible expert medical treatment and comfort.” President Jacob Zuma wished Mandela a speedy recovery.
“We appeal to the people of South Africa and the world to pray for our beloved Madiba and his family. We have full confidence in the medical team and know they will do everything possible to ensure recovery,” Maharaj quoted Zuma as saying.
On March 9, Mandela was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria for a scheduled medical check-up to manage existing conditions in line with his age. He was discharged one day later. On Dec 8, he was taken into a Pretoria hospital for a lung infection and gallstones. He underwent a successful surgery to have the gallstones removed after doctors attended to his lung infection.
Mandela was discharged from hospital on Dec 26 to undergo home-based high care at his Houghton home, his longest hospital stay since 2001 when he underwent seven weeks of radiotherapy after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
BERNAMA
