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On Wednesday evening, W.H.O. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was admitted to a hospital in Rio de Janeiro during his attendance at the G20 summit.
The 59-year-old W.H.O. chief underwent evaluation at Hospital Samaritano Barra da Tijuca, where medical professionals determined his condition wasn’t severe, according to the facility’s statement.
After spending Wednesday night under medical supervision, Tedros was discharged Thursday morning after receiving treatment for elevated blood pressure.
I felt unwell yesterday afternoon and was admitted to Samaritano Barra Hospital in Rio, but I was discharged this morning and am back to work.
My heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare workers for their outstanding service, and to everyone who has sent their best wishes.
What… pic.twitter.com/4gFMdAvKIT
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 21, 2024
Local Brazilian press reported that the W.H.O. leader experienced symptoms consistent with labyrinthitis and hypertension. Earlier in the week, he had reported feeling unwell at the G20 meetings. Tedros, who has a history of hypertension, was affected by labyrinthitis, an inner ear condition known to cause dizziness and queasiness.
“I am fortunate that I was diagnosed early and have access to good medical care,” Tedros said of his condition last year. “Unfortunately, the same is not true for the majority of those with hypertension, especially for those in lower-income countries and communities.”
Following his release, Tedros confirmed his return to work on Thursday.
🌎 | (Eng) World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been hospitalized in Rio de Janeiro's Hospital Samaritano Barra da Tijuca, local newspaper O Globo reported on Thursday.
Tedros presented with "symptoms of labyrinthitis and an hypertensive crisis," after… pic.twitter.com/t4iohJZZ7t
— Digital Dominium (@digitaldominiu) November 21, 2024
“What saddens me the most is that I am unable to deliver on my promise to pick up my daughter from school today, as my departure was delayed due to the illness,” he said.
“Even though it might seem like a small thing, these everyday moments are incredibly important. It’s in those interactions that we build our bonds and show our love. Those moments truly matter,” he said.
“Please take care of your health – it’s your greatest wealth,” he advised.
