(VOVWORLD) - 170 million USD has been raised over the past 10 years for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, a representative from the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) said at a conference in Hanoi on Wednesday.
 Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, presents certificates of merit to organizations and individuals with significant contributions to support of Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam. (Photo: Le Dong/VNA) |
The conference reviewed implementation of the Party Central Committee Secretariat's directive on strengthening the Party's leadership in dealing with the consequences of toxic chemicals used by the US in Vietnam during the war.
According to the Association, the US Congress continues to appropriate funds for the environmental remediation of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam and related health services for victims. In 2023, the US budgeted an additional 30 million USD for programs in Vietnam that provide assistance to victims.
Courtney Beale, Deputy Chief of the US Mission in Vietnam, said the US will continue to work with VAVA, the Ministry of Health, and localities to address legacy of war.
"Five years ago, the US government formalized its cooperation with committee 701, through the signing of the memorandum of intent on support to persons with disabilities in Vietnamese provinces sprayed with Agent Orange. Since then, through our partnerships, with the Ministry of National Defense's National Center for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental treatments (NACCET), we have provided assistance to over 17,000 persons with disabilities and their families annually, in six target provinces."
 Courtney Beale, Deputy Chief of the US Mission in Vietnam (Photo: Le Dong/VNA) |
According to Beale, in September 2025, the US Embassy and NACCET signed a limited scope grant agreement, Amendment No.2, which extends the LSGA to the end of December 2030, and increases the ceiling to 97 million USD.
In October, Ambassador Knapper and Deputy Minister of of National Defence Hoang Xuan Chien signed an MoU on strengthening cooperation to overcome the consequences of war, which reinforces Vietnam-US shared commitments to these war legacy programs.
"Through our joint efforts with NACCET, we're strengthening Vietnam's capacity to deliver improved healthcare, rehabilitation, and social services for persons with disabilities, now and in the years ahead," she said.
VAVA said its efforts to obtain justice for Agent Orange/Dioxin victims and to get the US to take responsibility for war consequences have been carried out persistently and in line with the Party's foreign policy. Vietnam is working to improve support mechanisms and policies for people with meritorious service and victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, including third- and fourth-generation victims, it said.