The event attracted a diverse crowd, including former State President Nguyen Minh Triet, former Vice President Truong My Hoa, and Karl Van den Bossches, Ambassador of Belgium to Vietnam, alongside officials, soldiers, artists, and local residents.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Tan, who has cared for Agent Orange/dioxin victims for many years at Tu Du Hospital, shared her ongoing commitment to the campaign due to its profound humanitarian significance. She was especially moved to reunite with Thuong, a victim without arms and legs from Cu Chi, who is currently a 12th-grade student aspiring to attend the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. Thuong showcased many paintings at the event, which Dr. Tan supported by purchasing one and promoting others to friends and colleagues.

At the event, Major General, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hong Son, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, emphasised that although the war ended 50 years ago, the harmful effects of Agent Orange persist across three to four generations, causing severe physical and psychological sufferings and burdening families and society.

The Association, along with international friends, has actively supported victims, with significant contributions from the Belgian Parliament’s 2023 resolution supporting Vietnamese victims, as well as assistance from the United States, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and overseas Vietnamese communities. The US government is also conducting environmental remediation at dioxin hotspots like Bien Hoa Airbase.

Ho Chi Minh City currently has about 30,000 victims across multiple generations, highlighting the urgent need for care and support programmes. The Association plans to intensify public awareness campaigns domestically and internationally about the war’s consequences and seek sustainable solutions, including the soon-to-be-launched “Agent Orange Village” project. This initiative will comprehensively address healthcare, vocational training, and livelihood creation for victims.

“This is a traditional event, but this year we are spreading its message more strongly to raise awareness, especially among young people, about the consequences of Agent Orange and the importance of supporting victims so they can affirm their self-worth,” stressed Major General Son.

Moving stories were shared during the walk, including that of Tran Thanh Son, an Agent Orange victim and home-based teacher in Binh Tien ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Despite mobility challenges, he expressed gratitude for the care from the Party, State, and community and is determined to overcome difficulties. He said he hopes the “Agent Orange Village” will soon be completed so victims can gradually reduce their dependence and take care of themselves.

On this occasion, the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin presented 40 savings books, worth VND10 million each, to 40 families of victims facing particularly difficult circumstances, providing practical support and encouragement.

Hanoi art programme marks Day for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin Victims

An art programme took place in Hanoi on August 5 in response to the Day for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin Victims (August 10), calling for continued support for the vulnerable community.