56 years ago, the American imperialists for the first time sprayed toxic chemicals disguised as "herbicides" or "defoliants" on the battlefield of South Vietnam, causing catastrophic disaster for the region’s environment and people’s health.

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The VAVA of Hanoi city presenting gift to AO/dioxin victims' relatives 

From 1961 to 1971, the US military sprayed 80 million liters of toxic chemicals 61 percent of which were Agent Orange, containing at least 366 kg of dioxin - the most toxic substance on a quarter of the acreage of Southern Vietnam. As a result 4.8 million Vietnamese were exposed to Agent Orange and more than 3 million fell victims of such toxic chemical. Among them are many handicapped children due to the after-effects of AO/dioxin. Hanoi currently has over 50,000 AO/dioxin victims, and only 19,000 of them could enjoy monthly allowance.

Over the past years, the city’s VAVA actively cooperated with relevant agencies to disseminate information and call for donations from home and foreign organizations and individuals to support AO/dioxin victims and their families. From 2016 till the end of May 2017, the association raised over VND 15 billion and a number of donations in kind to assist victims; supported nearly 40,000 AO victims with nearly VND 14 billion. Besides, the Association also helped build or repair houses for disadvantaged victims, presented gifts, provided free health checkups and medicines, and carried out other practical activities.

At the meeting, the association presented gifts to representatives of more than 14,000 victims’ relatives.

Translated by Thuy Duong