WATCH: South Africans celebrate Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday.
As former South African President Nelson Mandela marks his 95th birthday, current President Jacob Zuma has issued a statement saying that the iconic leader's condition is improving even though he remains in hospital.
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have sent their wishes and prayers to Mandela to mark his birthday on July 18.
The Obamas say the world can honor Mandela by heeding his example and serving others.
In recognition of his legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day.
Mandela was hospitalized in Pretoria on June 8 with a lung infection.
South Africans Send Birthday Messages To Ailing Mandela
1/8Well-wishers write messages of support outside the hospital in Pretoria where Mandela is being treated.
July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
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July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
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July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
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July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
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July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
6/8A well-wisher prays in front of the hospital.
July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
7/8Children sing "Happy Birthday" to Mandela.
July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
8/8A young member of the Maitibolo Cultural Troupe poses in front of a picture of Mandela.
July 18 is the 95th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been hospitalized with a lung infection for more than five weeks. In honor of the anti-apartheid leader's legacy, the United Nations has designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. Supporters in South Africa and around the world have been sending Mandela their birthday greetings and wishes for his fast recovery.
