Northern province focuses on caring for Agent Orange victims

Over the past few years, the Red Cross and the Association of Victims of Agent Orange of the northern province of Quang Ninh have worked closely with each other to give spiritual and material assistance to Agent Orange victims across the province. 

The provincial Red Cross officials give presents to an AO victim in Quang Yen town. (Photo: Quang Ninh newspaper)

Each year, during the lunar New Year festivals, the provincial Red Cross launches the program “Tet for poor people and AO victims”, through which thousands of presents are given to beneficiaries. In 2014 alone, the program donated nearly 20,000 presents worth nearly VND6.5 billion for the poor and AO victims.

The two agencies have also paid attention to building and repairing houses for AO victims, with 20 charitable houses worth VND25-30 million each having been built for the victims over recent years.

Cooperation between the two agencies has provided rehabilitation courses for nearly 200 victims, backed loans worth VND5 million for each victim’s family in Tien Yen, Hoanh Bo and Binh Lieu districts, assisting their families to become more productive.

In terms of raising funds for the victims, the provincial Association of Victims of Agent Orange has provided over VND22 billion to help the poor, including Agent Orange victims.

Each year, the two agencies plan to organize at least 2 campaigns to visit and give presents worth VND300,000-400,000 to each AO victim, helping them live more fruitful lives.

There are currently over 9,000 AO victims in the province. A majority of them encounter difficulties in their lives./.