Over 18 billion VND to support victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Nghe An

Attending the seminar were Mr. Bui Dinh Long - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; representatives of departments, branches, organizations and many members of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in the province.

August 10, 1961 was the first day the US military used toxic chemicals on the battlefield in South Vietnam, starting the largest and longest chemical war in human history. More than 80 million liters of US toxic chemicals exposed 4.8 million Vietnamese people, more than 3 million of whom are victims suffering from illness and after-effects; hundreds of thousands of victims have died. Agent Orange is passed down through many generations; in Vietnam, it has passed down to the 4th generation.

In Nghe An, there are currently nearly 14,000 people infected with Agent Orange/dioxin, including more than 5,000 indirect victims; especially in many localities, there are families with 6 or 7 victims.

On July 18, 2006, Nghe An Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims was established; grassroots associations were also established in districts, towns, cities, communes, wards and townships. Over 17 years of operation, the associations at all levels have implemented many activities "Joining hands to ease the pain of Agent Orange" in the whole province. The associations at all levels have called on organizations, businesses and benefactors to support more than 18.4 billion VND. From this fund, the association has supported the construction and repair of 175 houses, supported 456 capital packages for production; and presented over 15,000 gifts on "Vietnam Agent Orange Disaster Day August 10" and the Lunar New Year every year.

In particular, during the Action Month for Agent Orange Victims in 2023, the Nghe An Province Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims advised Party committees and authorities at all levels to effectively implement preferential policies for Agent Orange victims. In particular, the Association presented gifts to victims throughout the province with a total amount of VND 150 million supported by the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development, Nghe An branch. In addition, Associations at all levels in districts, towns and cities mobilized over VND 1 billion in socialized resources to visit, present gifts and encourage Agent Orange victims throughout the province; districts with high results such as Dien Chau, Vinh City...

Through the discussion, the Nghe An Province Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims hopes to call for the whole community to join hands in caring for the victims as well as their children. Thereby, demonstrating the morality of “When drinking water, remember its source”, “Repaying gratitude” to those who have contributed to the country, upholding the tradition of “Love others as you love yourself”.

Speaking at the discussion, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Bui Dinh Long requested the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin to continue to propagate and raise awareness and responsibility of Party committees, authorities and organizations in implementing the Party and State's policies for victims of Agent Orange.

Continue to innovate the content and methods of operation, actively mobilize organizations, individuals and businesses to join hands to share and help victims of Agent Orange/dioxin reduce difficulties and improve their lives; For Party committees and authorities at all levels, do a better job of showing gratitude and caring for victims of Agent Orange.

On this occasion, the Provincial Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims presented 5 gifts to 5 outstanding Agent Orange victims who have made great strides in life./.