Ethiopia has officially declared a malaria outbreak in the Oromia regional state. Health officials, on Saturday, reported a distressing toll of at least 36 lives lost in the last two months in the conflict-ridden West Wollega zone's Begi and Kondala districts.

Local authorities have confirmed the death toll, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the mosquito-borne parasitic infection continues its rapid spread. Officials have called for immediate medical supplies to be deployed to save lives in the affected regions.

The impact of the disease is widespread, affecting people in 16 Oromia zones. According to Jawar Qasim, the head of the Oromia health department, there has been a staggering 168% increase in cases this year compared to the previous year.

The shortage of medicines and oxygen is exacerbating the crisis, particularly in the conflict-hit districts of Begi and Kondala. These areas, within the Oromia regional state, have reported the majority of the deaths, and officials are grappling with the urgent need for resources to combat the outbreak.

While an exact number of deaths or the total affected in the two districts was not provided, the official did stress the critical need for assistance to address the escalating health emergency.

The outbreak is a major concern, as malaria is a deadly disease that can be easily preventable and treated with early diagnosis.

The conflict in West Wollega has made it difficult to deliver medical supplies to affected areas, and the shortage of medicines and oxygen is putting people's lives at risk.

The international community should urgently provide assistance to Ethiopia to help contain the malaria outbreak and save lives. (ILKHA)