More than 34,000 disabled people and Agent Orange victims receive health care support

(Dan Tri) - Over the past 3 years, more than 34,000 people with disabilities and Agent Orange victims have received health care and rehabilitation support, thereby contributing to improving their quality of life and promoting social integration.

This is the result of the project "Supporting the Improvement of the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities in Provinces Heavily Affected by Agent Orange Spraying" (Inclusion Project). The project was funded by the U.S. Government through non-refundable ODA funds along with matching funds from the Vietnamese Government.

Implemented from 2021 to 2026 with a total value of $65 million, the project aims to support 60,000 people with disabilities and victims of Agent Orange in localities heavily affected by chemical toxins from the war (including Quang Tri, Hue City, Da Nang City, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai and Dong Nai).

Major General Nguyen Dinh Hien, Commander of the Chemical Corps, Director General of the National Action Center for Overcoming the Consequences of Chemical Toxins and the Environment (Photo: LH).

Speaking at a recent conference in Hanoi summarizing the first three years of the project, Major General Nguyen Dinh Hien, Commander of the Chemical Corps and Director General of the National Center for Action to Address the Consequences of Chemical and Environmental Toxins (NACCET), stated that the project has achieved many important results.

Specifically, by the end of June, more than 34,000 people with disabilities and victims of Agent Orange had accessed rehabilitation services, healthcare, inclusive education, and livelihood support.

Thousands of rehabilitation healthcare workers received advanced training. More than 30 rehabilitation centers were upgraded in terms of facilities, equipment, and personnel.

“Communication and public awareness programs have been implemented thoroughly and comprehensively, contributing to the removal of barriers of stigma and discrimination. The health, education, and social systems in localities have been strengthened, creating a solid foundation for helping and supporting people with disabilities,” Major General Hien shared.

In particular, over 18,500 family members and caregivers received training in caregiving skills and support. More than 1,000 people with disabilities, victims of Agent Orange, and their families received support for social integration and livelihoods.

Mr. Tran Duc Hung, Deputy General Director of the National Center for Action to Address the Consequences of Chemical and Environmental Toxins, said that the project's implementation and disbursement progress currently stands at approximately 50%.

The project has achieved outstanding results in enhancing the professional capacity of local healthcare staff, improving community-based rehabilitation care systems, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for people with disabilities.

Through this project, many people with disabilities and victims of Agent Orange receive support for healthcare and rehabilitation; rehabilitation medical staff receive training to improve their capacity... (Photo: LH).

However, according to Mr. Hung, during the implementation process, the project was somewhat affected by administrative changes in some localities, disrupting progress for a certain period.

To ensure that all targets are fully met, the project is expected to have its implementation time extended by one year, until the end of 2027. Simultaneously, adjustments will be made to suit the actual needs of each locality regarding targets and indicators.

This project is one of the largest and most effective humanitarian programs for victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam. It reaffirms the commitment of the Vietnamese and US governments to addressing the consequences of war and working towards a future of integration and sustainable development.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/hon-34000-nguoi-khuyet-tat-nan-nhan-da-cam-duoc-ho-tro-cham-soc-suc-khoe-20251025161748126.htm