Programme launched to support Vietnamese AO victims

ABO/NDO- A programme to aid Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange (AO) was launched in Hanoi on July 16 by the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), the national humanitarian portal, and MBBank's charity app.

The initiative aims to raise funds to support medical examination and treatment, vocational training, build and repair charity houses, and present gifts for impoverished and disadvantaged AO victims. This aligns with the Directive of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat on strengthening the Party's leadership in dealing with the consequences of toxic chemicals used by the US during the war in Vietnam and the national action plan on addressing the consequences of wartime chemicals/dioxin contamination for the 2021-2030 period.

Gifts are presented to 20 AO victims at the programme (Photo: VNA).

VAVA President Lieut. Gen Nguyen Huu Chinh highlighted the programme's success in 2023. Over 2 billion VND (83,000 USD) was raised, with over 1.6 billion VND allocated to various activities, including building 14 new homes for victims, providing direct gifts and visiting nearly 600 victims in 22 provinces, and supporting those residing in the association's social protection centre.

Remaining funds from 2023 (approximately 602 million VND) have already been distributed to victims nationwide in the first half of 2024.

Looking ahead, VAVA is encouraging donations through QR code scanning and transfers to account number 1961 at MBBank, or via QR code using the VTC e-wallet. This year, it aims to raise over 2 billion VND, which will be used to support medical examination and treatment and rehabilitation for victims; provide capital for production and housing needs; and assist families of AO victims facing extreme hardship.

Toxic chemicals used by the US in Vietnam from 1961 to 1971 exposed an estimated 4.8 million Vietnamese people, with over 3 million suffering lasting health effects. Many victims have faced severe illnesses, disabilities and intellectual impairments. The consequences of AO exposure have continued for the fourth generation, causing immense suffering for Vietnamese families.

(Source: NDO)