More attention paid to AO/dioxin victims: official

Delegates visit AO/dioxin victims. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoàng Xuân Chiến visited and presented gifts to those staying at the Hà Nội centre for caring, nurturing and treating victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in Ba Vì suburban district on August 6, on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Day for AO/dioxin Victims (August 10).

Also attending the event were Lieut. Gen. Nguyễn Hữu Chỉnh, Chairman of the Việt Nam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin, and US Ambassador to Marc Knapper.

Chiến, who is also head of the standing board of the National Steering Committee on Overcoming Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, highly valued the efforts by the centre’s leaders and staff, saying he hopes that they will overcome all difficulties and better the work of caring for dioxin victims.

He affirmed that over the past time, the implementation of policies and the improvement of health care and living conditions for these victims have received due attention from the Party, State, Government, ministries, and local authorities, as well as support from both domestic citizens and international friends. These works have seen a lot of commendable improvements.

The official requested the steering committee to work closely and effectively with relevant agencies and units to ensure timely and increasingly practical support for AO victims. He also proposed the US, especially the US Agency for International Development (USAID), make its utmost efforts alongside Việt Nam to effectively implement projects that improve the quality of life for these victims.

Ambassador Marc Knapper emphasised that co-operation in addressing post-war consequences is one of the basic elements for the US and Việt Nam to build trust, demonstrate their commitments, and advance their bilateral relationship to become a comprehensive strategic partnership as it is today.

He expressed his belief that with efforts for the common interests, the two countries will continue to overcome the history and build a better future for the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.

Việt Nam has about 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, of them about 3.2 million victims, living in all provinces and cities. — VNS