Quang Tri benefits from NGO funding
The central province of Quang Tri has attracted US$105 million worth of aid from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the last decade.
The aid has been channeled into projects on infrastructure, heath care, education, agro-forestry-fishery, economics and human resources.
These projects have helped alleviate poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and climate change impact.
A large proportion of the funding was spent on war-aftermath relief, such as disarming mines and supporting Agent Orange victims.
More than 83% of Quang Tri province was contaminated with bombs, mines and explosives left from wars, according to a recent survey.
Since 1975, the locality has recorded 8,459 accidents caused by unexploded ordnances (UXO), with over 3,400 deaths and more than 5,000 others injured. Among the victims, women and children account for 31%.
In 1996, Quang Tri was the first locality in the country to coordinate with international organisations to tackle UXOs.
There are currently about 35 NGOs operating in Quang Tri, 13 of which have representative offices in the locality.-