To assist Agent Orange victims facing hardships, various organisations and associations have implemented meaningful initiatives to provide support and encouragement, enabling the victims and their families to build better lives with hope and determination.

Hailing from Hoa Phuoc Commune in Hoa Vang District, Ms Ho Thi Lang was born with disabilities. At over 35 years old, she is less than 1 metre tall and weighs 35kg. Lang spent many years at the Da Nang Care Centre for Victims of Agent Orange and Unfortunate Children before returning to live with her family. To make a living, her family set up a small grocery shop for her, though limited funds resulted in a modest setup. In early October 2024, the Party Committee of Mulnicipal Agencies provided additional goods and equipment to help her business flourish. “I received essential items, groceries, and beverages worth over VND 8.8 million as business capital. This support helps me better sustain my livelihood, fund my daughter's education, and cover medical and living expenses for my family,” Lang shared.

Similarly, Vo Thi Thuy Nga (born 2003, Hoa Phuoc Commune), the eldest of three siblings, suffers from the effects of Agent Orange. Paralyzed from birth with cognitive impairments, Nga is fully dependent on others for daily activities. Her mother, Vo Thi Hien Vy, is unemployed, making the family’s situation extremely challenging. Understanding their needs, the Party Committee of Mulnicipal Agencies provided a breeding cow valued at VND 11 million to help Vy engage in livestock farming and improve the family’s economic situation.

Nguyen Thi Hong Mo, living in Hoa Tien Commune, Hoa Vang District, the only child in her family, was born with congenital disabilities and intellectual impairments. Her father, a former soldier who fought in Cambodia, and her mother, a former military personnel, lack stable jobs. The family relies on income from selling steamed rice cakes in the mornings. To support them, the Party Committee Municipal of Agencies donated a milling machine worth VND 6.5 million. This machine allows the family to both make rice cakes and offer grinding services, increasing their income. Since acquiring the machine, their financial situation has improved, helping to cover medicine and food for their child.

According to Ms Ho Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Mulnicipal Agencies, during the 2024 Action Month for Agent Orange Victims, the committee mobilised cadres and Party members to contribute funds and provide livelihood support to three disadvantaged Agent Orange victim families in Hoa Vang District. This assistance aims to improve the victims’ living conditions, foster self-sufficiency, and ensure social welfare across the city.

The Da Nang Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin reports that Da Nang currently has over 5,000 victims of Agent Orange, including nearly 1,400 from the second and third generations. Many families have two or three members affected, suffering from disabilities and intellectual impairments. Most of these families face significant economic challenges and require community support. To continue supporting Agent Orange victims, the association works tirelessly to mobilise resources both domestically and internationally.

According to  Mr Nguyen Van An, Chairman of the Da Nang Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, since the beginning of the year, the association has raised VND 11.043 billion from individuals and organisations domestically and abroad. These funds have been used to support 16,847 victim cases, with total expenditures amounting to VND 11.157 billion.

In addition, two facilities under the Da Nang Care Centre for Victims of Agent Orange and Unfortunate Children continue to provide day care for 90 Agent Orange victims and children with disabilities. These facilities offer education, life skills, and vocational training, allowing families time to work and improve their financial situations.

Reported by LAM PHUONG- Translated by TRUC VY