Binh Thuan: Over VND 30 billion raised to support AO victims in 5 years

On strengthening the leadership of the Party on dealing with consequences of toxic chemicals used by the US army during the Vietnam war. The conference had the attendance of Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Van Rinh- former deputy Minister of the National Defense, chairman of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange (VAVA), leaders of the provincial departments, agencies, localities.

During nearly 10 years (from 1962-1970), the US Army had sprayed about 2.6 million liters of toxic chemicals on Binh Thuan. 5,826 people in Binh Thuan have been exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin. Among them, 952 people had participated in resistance wars, 1,221other victims are descendants of  those who were  exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin during the resistance wars and civil. Those victims have been struggling with difficulties due to consequences of toxic chemicals. Over the past period  (2015-2020), the provincial Association for victims of Agent Orange has mobilized VND 30.27 billion, 2.2 times higher than that of the period 2010-2015. The unit has also contributed to enhancing the awareness of the community about responsibility for joining hands to overcome consequences of Agent Orange/Dioxin and support AO victims.

Speaking at the conference, Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Van Rinh highly appreciated joints efforts of Binh Thuan’s authorities in the implementation of Directive No.43 of the Party Central Secretariat. He also praised the province’s Association for AO victims for its considerable achievements over the past five years. He suggested the unit to keep on caring for AO victims and prepare for the upcoming 60^th anniversary of Agent Orange Disaster (August 10, 1961-2021). On

that occasion, the provincial Association for AO victims awarded campaign medals “For the victims of Agent Orange” to 17 persons with contributions to the cause of caring and helping AO/Dioxin victims in Binh Thuan.

Translated by Phuong Lan (Source: Binh Thuan Newspaper)