Join hands to help victims of Agent Orange.

August 10th each year is Vietnam's Day for Victims of Agent Orange. This is an occasion to remember and express gratitude to those who have suffered the severe consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin, a chemical warfare agent used by the United States in Vietnam. To continue spreading profound humanitarian values ​​in caring for and sharing with victims, the Can Tho City Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims proactively collaborates with various sectors and levels to effectively organize many practical programs and activities; while also calling on the community to join hands in helping and alleviating the suffering caused by Agent Orange.

Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Nga, President of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Can Tho City, presented financial assistance and a symbolic plaque representing livelihood support to a victim's family in Cai Rang ward.

The war is over, but the pain of Agent Orange remains deeply ingrained. Agent Orange has devastated nature, destroyed human health, and caused many serious illnesses. Victims of Agent Orange are no longer able to produce goods, have no source of income, and their quality of life is significantly affected. To help alleviate their suffering, Party committees, government agencies, and the people have consistently shown concern, shared resources, and provided assistance to victims, helping them overcome difficulties and strive for a better life.

In particular, during the 10 years of implementing Directive No. 43-CT/TW of the Party Central Committee on "Strengthening the Party's leadership over the work of addressing the consequences of chemical toxins used by the US in the war in Vietnam," in addition to the state budget for subsidies and support for victims, the city has mobilized over 167 billion VND from social contributions to care for and assist Agent Orange victims. Of this amount, the Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims at all levels mobilized 86 billion VND, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and other political and social organizations mobilized over 81 billion VND. This money has helped more than 191,000 disadvantaged victims improve their lives. Specifically, 337 houses have been built and repaired; regular subsidies have been provided to 1,917 victims; and interest-free loans have been given to 504 victims and their families. They awarded 2,363 scholarships and school supplies; supported vocational training costs for 30 victims; donated wheelchairs, hand-operated tricycles, bicycles, and three-wheeled motorbikes to 336 victims; provided 162 health insurance cards to members and caregivers of victims in difficult circumstances; visited and presented over 163,500 gifts during holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), and the Day for Victims of Agent Orange; and mobilized resources to build 10 new traffic bridges.

Over the past 10 years, the interest-free loan program alone has helped 504 victims and their families develop their family economies . To commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Day for Victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam, the Can Tho City Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims provided livelihood support to 6 victims, with each household receiving between 5 and 10 million VND to develop their family businesses. Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Nga, residing in Area 1, Binh Thuy Ward, was visibly moved by the 10 million VND loan. She shared that her family is facing great difficulties; her 20-year-old daughter, an Agent Orange victim, is bedridden and relies on her mother for all personal activities. Ms. Nga herself suffers from a thyroid tumor and has to care for her elderly mother who has suffered a stroke. With the 10 million VND livelihood support from the Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims, she will supplement her capital with a small home-based business, improving her family's income.

From 2022 to the present, the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in the city has built community-based models for caring for Agent Orange victims in many communes and wards with various activities, such as: community health teams providing healthcare to victims in their households, developing family livelihoods, caring for young victims, and women caring for elderly parents and raising young children…

Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Nga, President of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Can Tho City, said: “The City Association has implemented a plan to organize activities for the Day for Victims of Agent Orange, focusing on forming delegations to visit, give gifts, and encourage victims and their families. The Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Can Tho City hopes that all sectors and levels in the city will continue to pay attention to and do a good job of caring for and helping victims of Agent Orange because they are a group facing many difficulties, as former President Nguyen Minh Triet once said, “Victims of Agent Orange are the poorest of the poor, the most suffering of the suffering.” Through this, we hope to help victims and their families overcome their pain and strive to improve their lives.”

Text and photos: Xuan Dao

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/chung-tay-tro-giup-nan-nhan-chat-doc-da-cam-a189407.html