The United States and Vietnam have initiated a new partnership to support persons with disabilities as the two nations move to resolve the war legacies and strengthen the comprehensive partnership.
The signing of the partnership between USAID and Office 701. Photo: USAID
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Over the next five years, USAID and Office 701 will work with the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs; the Ministry of Health; local organizations; and the People’s Committees in these provinces to provide direct care, build the capacity of the rehabilitation sector, and develop community level social services.
“Through this new partnership with Office 701, we know that together, we will be able to reach more people in need, succeed in creating a comprehensive care model, and truly achieve our goal of increasing the quality of life of persons with disabilities here in Vietnam,” said Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink during the launch.
“We are committed to expanding these health/disability programs, here in Dong Nai and in other provinces where Agent Orange was sprayed, and this Memorandum of Intent signifies that commitment,” said Senator Patrick Leahy, who was leading a group of nine senators on a visit to Vietnam.
Over the last of 30 years, USAID assistance has benefited millions of persons with disabilities in Vietnam, irrespective of cause. While initial cooperation focused on direct services such as providing assistive devices such as prosthetic limbs as wheelchairs, over the years the partnership has evolved into working with Vietnam to build the modern institutional and physical infrastructure needed to help persons with disabilities well into the future.
USAID is currently continuing its disabilities assistance through eight projects which expand rehabilitation and social services, and improve policies to increase the quality of life for persons with disabilities. USAID also supports the development of local Disabled Persons Organizations and their advocacy efforts.
