Mandela's doctors 'satisfied' with his recovery progress

Mandela hospitalized: Former South African president Nelson Mandela looks on as he celebrates his birthday at his house in Qunu. IMAGE.

Reuters, File. Mandela hospitalized: Former South African president Nelson Mandela looks on as he celebrates his birthday at his house in Qunu. IMAGE.

12/12/12

Hospitalized for the fifth day, former South African President Nelson Mandela is responding well to treatment for a lung infection, his doctors say.

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela has "made progress" as doctors in a military hospital continue to treat him for a lung infection, said officials.

Mandela's doctors "are satisfied with the way he is responding to treatment," said a statement issued Wednesday by the office of President Jacob Zuma.

The 94-year-old leader is being treated at 1 Military Hospital near South Africa's capital, Pretoria. He's been there for five days.

Mandela has a history of lung problems. In January 2011, he was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for an acute respiratory infection. He also contracted tuberculosis while in prison.

Mandela is revered for being a leader of the struggle against racist white rule in South Africa. He served one five-year term as president before retiring from public life.

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