Log in
News

US to fund US$50 million for Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam

The project will enable persons with disabilities in seven provinces to access healthcare, better living standards and integration.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has planned to finance US$50 million a project that supports persons with disabilities caused by Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in seven Vietnamese provinces.
 
Christopher Abrams, director of USAID’s Environment and Social Development Office in Vietnam speaks at the event on August 19. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Christopher Abrams, director of USAID’s Environment and Social Development Office in Vietnam, speaks at the event on August 19. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Information of the funding was announced during a seminar held in the southern province of Dong Nai earlier this week, the Tuoi Tre newspaper reported.

Accordingly, assistance on rehabilitation, healthcare, improving living standards, and integration into the society will be given to beneficiaries in the central provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam and Binh Dinh and the southern provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh

The project follows a memorandum of understanding signed in April by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Standing Agency of the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Office 701)

Christopher Abrams, director of USAID’s Environment and Social Development Office in Vietnam, said the project is part of efforts which the US has been coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to settle post-war consequences. 

Vietnam has about eight million persons with disabilities (PWD), accounting for 8% of the country’s population.

The aforementioned provinces have more than 163,000 PWDs.

US programs on PWDs in Vietnam

Assisting PWDs has long been one of the top priorities for the US government in Vietnam. 

In Vietnam, US assistance has helped to improve the quality of life of PWDs by addressing medical and social needs, improving disability policies, and reducing physical and social barriers.

The US government has contributed more than $100 million in assistance to PWDs in Vietnam. 

Over the course of 30 years, the USAID assistance has benefited hundreds of thousands of PWDs in Vietnam. More than 30,000 of these PWDs received direct assistance, including assistive devices, rehabilitation services, education and vocational training, home improvements, independent living assistance, legal counselling, and/or job placement assistance. 

The USAID also supports local governments to implement the national disability law and the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Apart from influencing public policies, the USAID supports the development of legal framework to improve physical accessibility for persons with disabilities in public buildings and transportation, as well as increase access to information and technologies.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
From ancient villages to herbal retreats, community tourism gives Hanoi fresh appeal

From ancient villages to herbal retreats, community tourism gives Hanoi fresh appeal

The capital city is drawing on its rural outskirts to add new depth to its tourism profile.

Youth footsteps echo on Ba Dinh Square ahead of September 2 parade

Youth footsteps echo on Ba Dinh Square ahead of September 2 parade

Ba Dinh Square is filled with the sound of marching as young people prepare for the nation’s biggest celebration.

Hanoi promotes Ba Dinh as cultural tourism hub during National Day

Hanoi promotes Ba Dinh as cultural tourism hub during National Day

Hanoi prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day with a cultural and tourism program.

Hanoi showcases tradition and innovation at national achievement exhibition 2025

Hanoi showcases tradition and innovation at national achievement exhibition 2025

The Hanoi exhibition space highlights cultural heritage and creativity, leaving a strong impression on city leaders at the National Achievement Exhibition.

Vietnam – Cuba friendship pickleball tournament strengthens special bond

Vietnam – Cuba friendship pickleball tournament strengthens special bond

Diplomacy turned into rallies on Hanoi’s courts.

Legend of Youth performance brings wartime memories to Hanoi nights

Legend of Youth performance brings wartime memories to Hanoi nights

A museum performance in Hanoi is turning history into a living experience for both locals and visitors.

Waste-for-gifts event inspires Hanoi youth to recycle

Waste-for-gifts event inspires Hanoi youth to recycle

Since 2020, schoolchildren and office workers across Hanoi have joined waste-for-gifts drives that collected more than 15 tons of recyclables in only a few weeks. 

Communist youth union nurtures Hanoi’s next generation of leaders

Communist youth union nurtures Hanoi’s next generation of leaders

The Hanoi municipal government's youth union has the mission of building a leadership pipeline and boosting innovation across municipal offices.