Hai Phong joins hands to soothe Agent Orange pain

No one left behind

In the scorching heat of early August, a delegation from the Hai Phong Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, the Hoa Sen Volunteer Club, and philanthropists went to Lo Dong village, Vinh Hoa commune to visit Pham The Cho, born in 1939.

Returning from the war, Cho and his wife had four children, all suspected of being affected by chemical agents. Two of them receive monthly allowances for Agent Orange victims: Pham The Tuyen, who suffers from a leg deformity and epilepsy, and Pham The Chuyen, who has a mental disorder.

Cho himself is battling cancer. The family’s livelihood depends mainly on the city’s allowances. Deeply moved when receiving a gift from the delegation, Cho said the gift was not just material aid, but a sign of care, a warm gesture during difficult times.

Joining the delegation, Hoang Thi Hong Diep, General Director of Van Der Leun Vietnam Co., Ltd., said: “Visiting such families, we saw the true cruelty of war and felt compassion for the pain these victims and their families endure. Although the gifts are not of great material value, they are filled with care, aiming to share, encourage, and help the victims and their families overcome stigma and strive for a better life.”

Having supported Agent Orange victims in the city for many years, the Hoa Sen Volunteer Club mobilized organizations, businesses, and individuals to present 31 gift packages worth over 40 million VND to families. “We understand these gifts cannot erase the pain, but at least they let the families know they are not forgotten,” said Nguyen Van Ha, head of the club.

Mobilizing more resources from society

There are over 14,300 people affected by chemical agents who receive State benefits in Hai Phong, including 10,425 war veterans and 3,880 children of veterans. Nearly 800 third-generation victims suspected of exposure are not yet entitled to benefits. More than 2,000 families have between two and five Agent Orange victims. Most victims face severe economic hardships, mental exhaustion, and inability to work, requiring community support.

Thanks to assistance, many families have been able to improve their lives. Pham Van Quyen in Ha Dong village, Vinh Hai commune, who has a 41 – 60% disability rate and a child also affected, has invested in over 2,800 m² of aquaculture, gradually escaping poverty.

Vu Van Loi in Tuan Tien village, Tan Minh commune, also with a 41 – 60% disability rate, has purchased a tractor for farming and poultry raising, creating sustainable income for his family.

However, mobilizing resources to care for Agent Orange victims remains challenging. At a recent program marking the 64th anniversary of the Agent Orange disaster in Vietnam in 2025, the city Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin called on organizations and individuals to join the “Joining hands to ease the pain of Agent Orange” campaign with the theme “Livelihoods and integration” by donating via account number 1961 at MB Bank or through the association’s office to be transferred to the Central Association. All contributions will go toward medical treatment, medicine, vocational training, and livelihood support for victims in need.

NGUYEN NGUYEN