Representatives of Quang Ninh’s administration and social organizations present gifts to AO/dioxin victims. (Photo: baoquangninh.com.vn)

Tran Thi Vinh of the northeastern border province of Quang Ninh has a son who was infected with dioxin by his father, who died young.

Ms. Vinh doesn’t have a stable income, so she and her son have to live in a cheap thatched house.

In 2019, thanks to support from the local administration and social organizations, Ms. Vinh received 6,500 USD to build a bigger, more solid house.  

“Now I’ve got a spacious, clean house. This is something I never imagined, even in my dreams. I’m very moved by everyone's care and love for me and my son,” she said.

Ms. Vinh's son is one of more than 5,000 AO/dioxin victims in Quang Ninh province. Since 2016 donations from businesses and private benefactors has funded gifts, the construction of charity houses, capital for production, and health care for local AO victims.

Nguyen Minh An, Chairman of the provincial Association of Agent Orange/dioxin Victims, said, “Information about AO/dioxin victims is updated regularly to make sure that all families of the victims, regardless of whether they are first or second generation, have secure accommodations to live in.”

The northern city of Phu Ly has more than 700 AO victims. Dioxin has damaged, not only their health and well-being, but also that of their children and grandchildren.

Over the years, with the support of private benefactors, the local government has built houses and provided vocational training to the victims, whose lives are now improving.

“The living standard of AO victims in Phu Ly has improved and is now higher than the average in the region. The living conditions of AO victims always receive the attention of the Party, the State, and the society,” said Mr. Do Tien Sy, President of the city’s Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin.

Second and third generation AO victims in Phu Ly also receive money for education.

A Phu Ly resident named Chu Quang Duc was born with deformities as a result of his father’s dioxin poisoning.

Duc’s legs are atrophied, making it difficult for him to move around, and his arms are also deformed.

With the support of the State, the local government, and social organizations, and through his own determination, Duc has earned a master’s degree in Information Technology and now teaches IT at a local high school.

“I’ve been helped to get an education, to keep up with modern technology. I’ve adapted myself to modern society, too, so I don't feel left behind," said Duc.

Throughout a year and a half of pandemic, activities to help AO/dioxin families have manifested Vietnam’s motto "No one left behind".