Agent Orange: The pain remains.

Sixty-four years have passed since the first American flight sprayed Agent Orange over Vietnam (August 10, 1961), but the lingering effects and consequences of this toxic substance still persist, affecting many families from one generation to the next.

Despite being over 40 years old, Hoang Van Chuong (born in 1984, Buon Ma Thuot ward) still has the body of a three-year-old child. All his personal activities, from meals and sleep to hygiene and bathing, depend entirely on the support of his mother, who is over 70 years old.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoai, Chương's mother, recalled: “In April 1975, I and my comrades marched from Ha Tinh (formerly) to Dak Lak . During the journey, we stopped in many areas of Quang Tri, Thua Thien - Hue, and Kon Tum provinces... to carry out our mission. There, chemical toxins had stripped the forests bare, and in many places, they were even blackened by fire, but at that time, no one paid attention to the aftereffects or long-term consequences. When I got married, had children, and watched them grow up with incomplete bodies, I only thought my child had a birth defect. It wasn't until I received information about the aftereffects of chemical toxins and the local authorities told my child and me to get examined that I learned I had been exposed to Agent Orange and had passed it on to my child.”

The pain of Mr. Hoang Van Chuong and his mother (Buon Ma Thuot ward) has never subsided due to the lasting effects of Agent Orange.

Mr. Vo Phong Minh (born in 1980, Thanh Nhat Ward) also carries a similar burden. When he was born, his body was healthy like other children, but as he grew older, his legs atrophied and contracted; his daily activities gradually slowed down, and his health deteriorated. Unable to walk or speak, Mr. Minh's communication is limited to nodding or shaking his head. His sister, Ms. Vo Thi Hong Nhung, shared: "Previously, when he was young, our parents supported and cared for him in all his daily activities, but the effects of Agent Orange have affected my mother's health; she has been bedridden for over 20 years, and my father passed away 3 years ago, so now I have to take care of both my mother and my brother."

For those who fought and lived in areas sprayed with Agent Orange, they face a range of serious illnesses. But the suffering doesn't stop there, as the effects of the toxic substance are passed down to the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many children are born with birth defects and other health problems...

As of the end of 2024, the province had over 18,280 people exposed to Agent Orange; of which, over 7,300 victims were war veterans and over 1,200 were descendants of war veterans, while the remaining victims were civilians and their descendants. The total number of Agent Orange victims in the province receiving state support is over 9,260.

Mr. Vo Phong Minh (Thanh Nhat ward) relies on his hands for mobility.

For families with children born with disabilities due to Agent Orange, they not only bear a physical burden but also face immense mental and economic pressure. Caring for a disabled child is an arduous journey. Before even knowing their children were affected by Agent Orange, some families had to sell all their possessions and land to pay for treatment, but hope is often very slim. This pain continues, becoming a wound that never heals in the hearts of each family and each victim.

To share in this suffering, over the years, the Party and State have implemented many policies and programs for victims of Agent Orange; many philanthropists inside and outside the province have donated gifts and financial support to these individuals. Along with that, the Provincial People's Committee and the Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims Associations at all levels have intensified efforts to mobilize and call on organizations and individuals to join hands in helping Agent Orange victims and their families improve their lives. In 2024 alone, over 5.3 billion VND was raised to support Agent Orange victims through activities such as: Lunar New Year allowances, production capital support, medical examination and treatment subsidies, visits and gift giving, wheelchair donations, building charitable houses, house repairs, and livelihood support…

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202508/chat-doc-da-cam-noi-dau-con-do-f79130c/