Zambian President Edgar Lungu collapsed onstage while presiding over an International Women's Day Celebration in Lusaka.

A day after the incident, he assured everyone that he is alright and that his condition is "nothing to worry about." Lungu later told a press briefing that after conductig tests, physicians have found "traces of malaria" in his body.

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"I am feeling much better now. They are doing further tests. I am looking forward to going home," Lungu added.

Aside from malaria, doctors have also told the Zambian leader that he has high levels of fatigue and that he needed to take some rest.

Last Sunday, Lungu was delivering a speech when he suddenly excused himself, and collapsed.

In a statement, the President's assistant Amos Chanda said, the President was promptly brought to a nearby room where snap tests were taken. The quick tests showed Lungu had malaria.

Afterwards, Lungu was rushed to Maina Soko military hospital in Lusaka.

He is now receiving treatment for malaria and exhaustion.

The Zambian President, who is also rumored to have diabetes, had been standing on stage for 20 minutes during the ceremony, when he collapsed.

Lungu assumed the presidency in January, following the death of former President Michael Sata in October last year. Months before his death, people had noticed that Sata's public appearances became rare. This raised speculations that he was having health problems.

However, just weeks before he died, Sata had assured his countrymen that he was still fit to lead Zambia.

As a result of these events, some quarters have called on all those who want to run for president to go through medical tests first, before making a bid for the country's highest political post. This is so that their fitness will be guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Zambian Medical Association praises Lungu's officials for their transparency on the new president's health.

The association's president, Aaron Mujajati, said "unnecessary speculation" would have proliferated if Lungu had just left the venue without any explanation from him or his staff.

Tagsinternational women's day, Zambia, Zambian president, Edgar Lungu, Malaria