Da Nang, Vietnam - The city of Da Nang marked significant strides this past weekend, gathering over 221 billion VND (approximately 9 million USD) for the care of victims affected by Agent Orange. The funds were mobilized by the Da Nang Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, celebrating its 20th anniversary on January 18, 2025. This celebration highlighted the hard work and dedication of those involved as they continue to fight for the rights and livelihoods of those affected by this environmental tragedy.
Notable attendees included General Do Hong Lam, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Vietnam Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims Association, and various Da Nang officials, including Deputy Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi. Together, they recognized the plight of Agent Orange victims and emphasized the community's collective mission to provide support and assistance.
Established following the approval from local government on January 5, 2005, the Da Nang Association has become integral to addressing the aftermath of Agent Orange, which has had long-lasting health effects on the Vietnamese population since the Vietnam War. Reports from officials indicate Da Nang is one of the highest-affected areas, with contamination levels at the Da Nang airport reaching over 365 times the acceptable limit.
The challenges faced by the Association have been substantial. According to Deputy Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, "From its inception, the Association has encountered various difficulties, particularly concerning mobilizing resources and establishing effective operational methods." Despite these obstacles, the Association has enlisted the support of both domestic and international organizations, raising substantial amounts to help victims.
Over the past two decades, the Association has aided approximately 103,000 victims through multiple programs, including housing repairs, healthcare assistance, and educational support. This initiative provides tools and resources to families, ensuring their basic needs are met and facilitating their integration within the community. Various forms of support extend to establishing schools and rehabilitative centers for children affected by Agent Orange.
The funding raised includes contributions from organizations both foreign and domestic; more than 90.6 billion VND has been collected from international supporters alone. This financial assistance has enabled the construction and maintenance of care centers for victims and has facilitated educational opportunities for children affected by the toxin.
During the anniversary, the achievements were celebrated with awards recognizing individuals and groups for their meaningful contributions to the cause. Expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment were shared among those present, marking the event as both commemorative and hopeful.
Looking to the future, the goals set forth by the leadership of the Da Nang Association are ambitious. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi stated the importance of enhancing community connections, raising awareness about the legacy of Agent Orange, and intensifying efforts to secure additional funding. She emphasized, "To achieve our goal of becoming a smart, ecological city by 2045, our social organizations need to work seamlessly and effectively for the benefit of those who have suffered the most.\"
Plans for the coming years include increased international outreach to educate others about the struggles faced by Agent Orange victims and to solicit more support. Various campaigns, including initiatives dubbed "Join Hands to Alleviate the Pain of Agent Orange" and "Tet for the Poor and Agent Orange Victims," are set to reengage community concerns and responses.
Throughout the event, stories of resilience emerged, providing insights on how the community has faced the aftereffects of this tragedy over the past decades. Many victims still struggle with debilitating health conditions related to their exposure to harmful chemicals, making the support from the Association all the more significant.
Overall, as the Da Nang Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin strides confidently forward, the collective hope remains clear among supporters—that they can make meaningful contributions to the lives of victims, ensuring their stories and struggles do not go unnoticed.