Panama says President Cortizo still in remission from rare blood disorder

78th UNGA General Debate at UN HQ in New YorK

Panama's President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 19, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

Source: X01440

Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo is still in remission from the rare blood disorder known as myelodysplastic syndrome, the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

Cortizo was diagnosed with the disorder in 2022 and declared in remission later that year, and doctors ordered continued treatment.

Myelodysplastic syndrome is considered a type of cancer affecting the body's ability to make healthy blood cells in bone marrow, the American Cancer Society states.

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Cortizo returned on Tuesday from Houston, Texas, where he receives treatment.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters