South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, 94, has been hospitalized for treatment for a recurring lung infection.
The former South African president has gone to the hospital for treatment several times over the past year and remains in frail condition, The Associated Press reports.
“Doctors are attending to him, ensuring that he has the best possible expert medical treatment and comfort,” the office of President Jacob Zuma said, in a statement reported by AP. “[Please grant] understanding and privacy in order to allow space to the doctors to do their work.”
Mr. Mandela went to the hospital shortly before midnight on Wednesday, AP says.
He has been plagued by health issues for years. AP reports he contracted tuberculosis during his 27 years spent in prison. He had surgery for an enlarged prostate gland in 1985. He was hospitalized for an acute respiratory infection a year ago, and he spent three weeks under medical care in December for gallstones surgery.
Most recently, he spent a night in the hospital this month for observation, AP says.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.