Though the war ended long ago, the devastating effects of Agent Orange/Dioxin still heavily burden Vietnam. Many families, with multiple members impacted, continue to struggle with extreme poverty and illness.
Hanoi (VNA) ﷽- Though the war ended long ago, the devastating effects of Agent Orange/Dioxin still heavily burden Vietnam. Many families, with multiple members impacted, continue to struggle with extreme poverty and illness.
Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, from Que An commune, Que Son district, Quang Nam province, stands just under one meter tall due to the aftereffects of Agent Orange. Despite his own challenges, he is dedicated to helping other disadvantaged and disabled children. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Veteran Le Dinh Denh from Thanh Hoa province hoped for a peaceful life with his family after the war. However, his dream was shattered by the birth of his four daughters, all with deformities caused by Agent Orange/Dioxin.
Nguyen Thi Dan, Denh's wife, recalls, "At first, we thought our children were just calcium deficient and gave them supplements. It wasn’t until ten years later that we learned they were affected by Agent Orange. The news devastated us. Our children were often ill, and caring for them was incredibly challenging. We just kept encouraging each other to keep going."
Now over 40, their daughters remain cognitively impaired and entirely dependent on their parents. Due to his own exposure to Agent Orange, veteran Le Dinh Denh's health is also poor, leaving Nguyen Thi Dan to care for her husband and their four affected children for over 40 years.
There were times when Dan was so exhausted that local authorities suggested placing her children in care centers. She refused, saying, "My children are my greatest treasure. I must care for them."
Nguyen Thi Dan discusses the ongoing challenges of raising four children who are second-generation victims of Agent Orange. (Photo: VNA)
Veteran Le Dinh Denh added, "Surviving the war was a blessing. Despite the difficulties, my wife and I support each other through it all."
Dan’s wish now is to stay healthy enough to continue caring for her children. She also hopes for financial support from the Party and State for families like hers, affected by Agent Orange.
Vietnam is home to approximately 4.8 million people exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin, with 3 million suffering from severe health and intellectual impairments. The pain spans generations.
Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh, President of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, highlighted the ongoing severity of the chemical's impact nearly 50 years after the war's end.
"Many families live in constant hardship, with the cries of Agent Orange-affected children filling their homes. Mothers and wives endure daily suffering as they care for their loved ones. Agent Orange victims are among the most impoverished and distressed," Lieutenant General Chinh said.
To address these challenges, the "Join Hands to Ease the Pain of Agent Orange" SMS campaign raised over 2 billion VND in 2023 to support the construction and renovation of homes, provide gifts to victims, and assist care at social welfare centers.
Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh, President of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (Photo: VNA)
In mid-July 2024, the fundraising campaign, themed "Light Up the Future," was launched, aiming to raise over 2 billion VND in 2024 to support Agent Orange victims.
The theme, 'Light Up the Future,' calls for both domestic and international resources to provide more substantial, practical, and sustainable support for Agent Orange victims, helping them overcome difficulties and build brighter futures, Chinh said.
The campaign’s success depends on community involvement, offering hope and motivation for Agent Orange victims to rise above their circumstances and overcome their challenges./.
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