Strengthening the Association’s Role in Easing the Pain of Agent Orange

(DTO) On the morning of August 6, the Dong Thap Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin held its 2026-2031 Exemplary Members Congress and a gathering marking the 65th anniversary of the Agent Orange disaster in Vietnam (August 10, 1961 - August 10, 2026). 
The event was attended by Nguyen Thi Hoai Thu, former Member of the Party Central Committee, former Member of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, and former Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs; Tran Van Thi, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Thap Province; Tran Thi Quy Mao, Chairwoman of the Dong Thap Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin; representatives of provincial departments and agencies; along with Association officials, delegates, and Agent Orange victims from across the province. 

65 years ago, on August 10, 1961, the U.S. military launched chemical warfare in Vietnam by spraying herbicides. From 1961 to 1971, tens of millions of liters of herbicides containing dioxin were dispersed across southern Vietnam, leaving devastating and long-lasting consequences for the environment, ecosystems, and human health across generations. 

Dong Thap Province is home to more than 17,484 Agent Orange victims. With the goal of easing the suffering caused by Agent Orange, Association chapters at all levels have actively mobilized support from government agencies, businesses, benefactors, and the community to provide assistance for victims. 

During the 2021-2026 period, Association chapters across the province raised more than 80 billion VND to fund visits and gift distributions during holidays, the Lunar New Year, and the annual commemoration of the Agent Orange disaster on August 10. The funds also supported the construction and repair of charity houses, the donation of wheelchairs and hand-powered wheelchairs, as well as sponsorship and care programs for disadvantaged victims. 

Launching the “For Agent Orange Victims” emulation campaign for the 2026-2031 period, Tran Thi Quy Mao, Chairwoman of the Dong Thap Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, stressed the need to further strengthen the Association’s organizational structure and improve the quality and effectiveness of its operations. She called on Association chapters to proactively survey and closely monitor the situation of victims in order to provide timely policy recommendations and ensure support reaches the right beneficiaries. She also emphasized improving resource mobilization while ensuring transparency, fairness, practicality, and effectiveness in caring for and assisting victims. 

The Association will continue to step up emulation movements while strengthening public awareness campaigns and encouraging authorities at all levels, sectors, and the community to enhance their awareness of and commitment to supporting Agent Orange/dioxin victims. At the same time, it will remain actively engaged in the pursuit of justice for victims. 

Addressing the congress, Tran Van Thi, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Thap Province, expressed deep sympathy for the losses and hardships endured by Agent Orange victims and their families, while acknowledging the dedicated efforts of Association chapters in supporting victims over the years. 

He called on the provincial Association to continue working closely with the provincial and commune-level Vietnam Fatherland Front Committees to guide, monitor, and maintain updated information on victims. He also urged the Association to promptly review and strengthen its organizational structure to enhance its position, role, and effectiveness under the current circumstances. 

In addition, he emphasized the importance of improving the knowledge and professional skills of Association officials, expanding public awareness and outreach efforts, and coordinating with relevant agencies to study and propose appropriate policies. These measures would help mobilize greater social resources to improve both the material and spiritual well-being of Agent Orange victims. 

On this occasion, one collective and three individuals from the Dong Thap Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin received Certificates of Merit from the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin for their outstanding achievements. The provincial Association also presented 15 Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals with exemplary contributions to its work. 

During the program, organizers presented gifts to 50 disadvantaged Agent Orange/dioxin victims. Tien Giang Lottery One Member Co., Ltd. also donated 300 million VND to support the Dong Thap Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in caring for victims. 

By HAI DANG
Translated by ANH DUC