Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Decision No. 2215/QD-TTg on the national action plan on overcoming the post-war consequences of toxic chemicals/dioxin in Viet Nam for 2021-30.

Chemical troops processing post-war toxic chemicals. — Photo from the Viet Nam Government Portal

The plan aims to successfully address all hotspots and areas contaminated with toxic chemicals/dioxin as a result of the war, specifically at A So airport in the central province of Thua Then-Hue and Phu Cat in the south-central province of Binh Dinh by 2025, and at Bien Hoa airbase in the southern province of Dong Nai along with recently-discovered contaminated areas by 2030.

By 2025, over 85 per cent of the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals/dioxin from contaminated areas will be controlled. The rate will reach 100 per cent by 2030.

By 2030, the country will complete the identification of all victims through various generations who are eligible for State’s support to improve their lives and get them access to appropriate jobs, and help them integrate into the community.

All pregnant women residing in highly contaminated areas will receive reproductive counselling to reduce disease risks in their offspring.

As planned, agencies will review and fine-tune legal regulations and standards on overcoming the consequences of toxic chemicals/dioxin, raise public awareness, expedite remediation of contaminated areas, control exposure risks and prevent further victims, and ensure support for victims.

They will also strengthen State management and international cooperation, and call for social resources for the effort.

Between 1961 and 1971, the US army sprayed about 80 million litres of toxic chemicals, 61 per cent of which were Agent Orange, containing 366 kg of dioxin, on nearly a quarter of South Viet Nam, resulting in severe and long-term consequences to the environment, the ecosystem and people’s health.

About 4.8 million Vietnamese were exposed to the toxic chemical, and more than 3 million became victims.

Source: VNS