Former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba has requested the hospital in South Africa to release results of his HIV test to the nation, local media reported Monday.

This is following independent newspaper The Post's publication of an editorial comment on Saturday which questioned the credibility of Chiluba's earlier announcement that he was HIV negative.

Chiluba, who was last month evacuated to South Africa for medical checks, said all the information on his health status released by his spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba was "truthful and accurate".

"My HIV status is as reported by Mwamba and I have authorized the hospital authorities at Garden City Clinic to fax the media in Zambia this particular result," he said.

Chiluba said he knew his HIV status even before he went to South Africa as similar tests had been undertaken in Zambia by his doctors.

Chiluba, who ruled Zambia from 1992 to 2001, was flown to South Africa on March 24 for medical checks and specialized treatment after complaining of not feeling well.

The former president, who is currently facing charges of abuse of office and corruption, was previously denied to go abroad.

However, the Zambian government gave the former president green light after a Lusaka magistrates court had ordered the state to release his passport to enable the travel.

The decision of the government was made following President Levy Mwanawasa paid a courtesy call to Chiluba and was suggested that the former president need urgent medical attention.

Source: Xinhua