MOD visits and presents gifts to Hanoi Center for Care, Nurturing and Treatment of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin

On the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Agent Orange Disaster in Vietnam (1961-2024) and the Day for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Vietnam (August 10), on the afternoon of August 6, a working delegation of the Ministry of Defense led by Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of Defense, visited and presented gifts to the Hanoi Center for Care, Nurturing and Treatment of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. The delegation also included Mr. Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam; the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh, President of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and agencies and units under the Ministry of Defense.

The Hanoi Center for Care, Nursing and Treatment of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin is a unit under the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Hanoi, currently caring for and nurturing 123 victims suffering from the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin. Of these, patients with serious conditions, mental illness, hyperactivity, abnormal behavior, paralysis, etc. account for 80%, making it difficult for the management, care and nurturing of the victims.

Speaking at the gift-giving ceremony, Mr. Marc E. Knapper acknowledged and welcomed the work that the Center has been doing. At the same time, he emphasized that one of the common concerns of the two countries that is of particular importance is the commitment to support the veterans and their families to overcome the pain of war. The cooperation between the two sides in resolving post-war issues is the foundation for building trust and demonstrating the commitment to promoting the bilateral relationship between the two countries to the comprehensive strategic level.

At the ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed his appreciation for the presence of Ambassador Marc E. Knapper at the Center. He stressed that despite many difficulties, the Party, State and people of Vietnam always pay attention to taking care of social security, especially families enjoying preferential policies and people with revolutionary contributions. Regarding the overcoming of the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin, the Secretariat issued Directive No. 43-CT/TW dated May 14, 2015 on strengthening the Party's leadership in the work of resolving the consequences of toxic chemicals used by the US during the war in Vietnam. Under the leadership of the Party, Party committees, authorities, and mass organizations of the entire political system have shown their active participation. Therefore, the work of overcoming the consequences of war in general, especially the work of supporting and caring for AO victims, has been promoted and seen positive and effective changes.

In recent years, with the active cooperation of the two countries in overcoming the consequences of war, thousands of AO victims in 8 provinces heavily sprayed with Agent Orange/dioxin have been cared for and integrated into the community. On this occasion, MOD’s Deputy Minister respectfully thanked the Ambassador and international agencies and organizations for their contribution in "Joining hands to ease the pain of Agent Orange".

On the occasion of the Vietnam Day for AO victims (August 10), the Chien suggested that units, agencies, and enterprises under the Ministry of National Defense join hands to ease the pain of Agent Orange, with practical and meaningful actions. First of all, they should actively respond to the Community Fundraising Program to join hands to ease the pain of Agent Orange in 2024 by transferring money to account number 1961, opened at the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, or scanning the QR code.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien also expressed his respect, recognition and appreciation for the good feelings and efforts of the Center's staff towards the victims of Agent Orange. He hoped that the Center's staff would strive to overcome difficulties, complete their tasks well, and make practical contributions to ease the pain of Agent Orange.

Dinh Trong