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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has canceled his scheduled trip to Russia for the BRICS summit after suffering a minor brain hemorrhage caused by a fall at his home. Medical professionals advised the 78-year-old president to avoid long-haul flights as a precaution, although he remains capable of performing his regular duties.
The incident occurred on Saturday, when Lula fell and sustained significant trauma to the back of his head, resulting in a laceration that required stitches. According to his doctor, Roberto Kalil, the fall led to a small brain hemorrhage in the temporal-frontal region. Kalil emphasized that while the injury is currently stable, brain hemorrhages can potentially worsen in the days following trauma, necessitating continued monitoring through repeat tests.
The medical report issued by Sirio Libanes Hospital in Brasilia described the injury as a laceration to the occipital region, located at the back of the head. Despite the injury, Lula remains able to carry out his duties but was advised to avoid long-distance air travel as a precautionary measure.
As a result, Lula will now participate in the BRICS summit, which brings together leaders from major emerging economies, via videoconference instead of attending in person. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has been designated to lead the Brazilian delegation at the summit, which includes discussions among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and other member nations.
Lula’s Workers Party president, Congresswoman Gleisi Hoffmann, assured the public that the president is doing well and in good spirits, emphasizing that his decision to stay in Brazil was a precaution following medical advice.
