For the past decade, the Da Nang Association of Agent Orange Victims (DAVA) has consistently taken the lead amongst nationwide charitable organisations in bringing up and providing the best care for AO victims, as well as organising numerous meaningful programmes to help the over 5,000 AO victims currently living in Da Nang.

Representatives from the Da Nang School of Politics presenting gifts to DAVA

The city now has 3 shelters for AO-affected victims under the management of DAVA.  One is in Thanh Khe District’s Thanh Khe Tay Ward, the second is in Hai Chau District, whilst the third is in Hoa Vang District's Hoa Nhon Commune.

Together the 3 venues offer extensive care plus physical and mental rehabilitation for over 220 AO-affected children.  In addition, simple vocational training courses are also offered in order to help them find suitable jobs matching their capabilities and health conditions.  Thanks to this, many of them are now able to sew and use computers, as well as make chiffon flowers and incense sticks.

Over the decade, DAVA has received many donations from domestic and foreign organisations and individuals to help local AO victims.  They include an annual allowance of 36,000 USD from Singaporean billionaire Harold Chan Soo York, along with the recent 450 million VND and 300 million VND respectively from UNICEF Viet Nam and Green Cross Switzerland.

In addition, 401 AO victims currently benefit from food and nutrition programmes operated by many local generous organisations and individuals, including the Dafoco Taiwan Furniture company, the Da Nang International Airport, and the 29 March Textiles and Garments Company.

To date, DAVA has established chapters in all districts and wards across the city.  It now has a total of 2,946 members, including around 60 foreign honorary members.

DAVA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hien remarked “Last year, a total of 44 billion VND was raised by the Association’s chapters to help local AO victims.  Most notably, 8,625 gifts, valued at over 3 billion VND in total, were presented to AO-affected victims to help them celebrate the 2016 Lunar New Year”.

Mrs Hien added “The Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre for AO/dioxin victims under the control of DAVA, which officially opened in 2014, has seen numerous positive results in helping the victims improve their health.  To date, detoxification and rehabilitation services have been offered to 370 local AO-affected people, and very poor victims have received free-of-charge services”.

DAVA has recently been presented with a third-class Labour Medal from the State President, and received a leading emulation flag from the Prime Minister, in recognition of its significant achievements over the 2010 - 2015 period.