Providing practical care for Agent Orange victims.

The war is long over, but the consequences of Agent Orange/Dioxin still linger. Over the years, the Party and State have implemented numerous policies to address this issue, and the entire society has consistently provided timely support to alleviate the suffering of Agent Orange victims. In Can Tho City, the care for Agent Orange victims has always been a priority. Through visits, gift-giving, livelihood support, housing assistance, wheelchair and mobility aid programs, and healthcare initiatives, efforts have been made to improve the material and spiritual lives of Agent Orange victims, giving them the strength to overcome challenges in life.

The city's disadvantaged people receive much attention and support, ranging from transportation and livelihood capital to housing construction.

Ms. Pham Xuan Thao, residing in Area 3, Vi Thanh Ward, has suffered from the effects of Agent Orange for the past 41 years. She spends most of her time in bed, relying on family members for all her personal needs. Four years ago, after her parents passed away, she was taken in and cared for by her aunt, Ms. Pham Thi Muon.

Ms. Muon shared: “Seeing my granddaughter sick, my family loves her like our own child and spares no effort in caring for her. My family is very poor, but thanks to Thao receiving a monthly allowance from the government, we have more resources to take better care of her. Every holiday, the local authorities and benefactors visit, encourage, and give gifts... I am happy that my granddaughter is always loved and cared for by the local government and the community.”

Mr. Pham Tran Phong, residing in Lan Quoi 2 hamlet, Thanh Quoi commune, recounted: “My father served in the army and was exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin. We were born healthy, and no one thought the consequences would extend to our grandchildren. Of my three children, two are affected by Agent Orange/Dioxin and cannot care for themselves. Seeing them like this breaks my heart.” Every day, Mr. Phong cares for his children while his wife sells fish to support the family. For many years, the Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims has been a constant support and assistance to the family. In 2023, the Association provided 40 million VND to help the family build a sturdy brick house. Recently, the Association continued to provide 3.7 million VND to help the family have a warm and comfortable Tet holiday.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Von, residing in Thanh Loc hamlet, Trung Hung commune, whose child and grandchild are victims of Agent Orange, received 15 million VND in support from the Association to open a grocery store. Ms. Von shared: “I take care of my child and grandchild while selling goods at home. The daily profit isn't much, but it's stable and helps ease the family's difficulties.” Thanks to livelihood support tailored to her health and circumstances, Ms. Von's family can be more independent in their daily expenses and have more confidence in the future.

Following the administrative boundary merger, Can Tho City has over 13,360 victims of Agent Orange. Of these, more than 4,400 are direct resistance fighters and their children, while the remaining victims are people with disabilities living in areas sprayed with Agent Orange/Dioxin. Over the past period, with the attention of the Central Association, the City Party Committee, the People's Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the city, and the community, the Association has implemented many support programs regarding housing, livelihood capital, scholarships, Tet gifts, transportation, and has effectively built the "Community Care for Agent Orange Victims" model.

According to the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Can Tho City, in 2025, the association at all levels mobilized nearly 30 billion VND to support Agent Orange victims. This included building 12 houses, providing assistance to 111 families, supporting livelihood capital for nearly 200 Agent Orange victims, donating 200 medicine cabinets, 82 means of transportation (wheelchairs, walkers, electric vehicles), distributing over 31,800 gifts, 112 scholarships, providing care for over 750 severely affected Agent Orange victims at home, and providing medical examinations and treatment for over 2,330 people... These figures reflect the community's collective efforts and the increasingly effective approach, focusing on the right needs and target groups.

Actively caring for Agent Orange/Dioxin victims during the Lunar New Year of 2026, the Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims of the city is mobilizing approximately 9,500 gift packages (each worth an estimated 500,000 VND) to donate to Agent Orange/Dioxin victims, contributing to helping them have better conditions to celebrate the spring festival and welcome the New Year.

Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Nga, Chairwoman of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Can Tho City, emphasized: “We have determined that caring for Agent Orange victims must be continuous, long-term, and in-depth. Over the past time, thanks to the attention of the Party Committee, the government, and the associations at all levels, and the efforts of each Agent Orange victim and their family, they have gradually overcome difficulties. Looking ahead, we will continue to promote social mobilization, calling on businesses, organizations, and philanthropists to join hands to not only expand the number of people receiving support but also improve the quality of each program, helping Agent Orange victims and their families have a better life.”

Text and photos: CAO OANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/thiet-thuc-cham-lo-nan-nhan-da-cam-a198315.html