Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh took us to visit the family of Mrs. Van Thi Ngu, Quyet Thang ward - wife of Agent Orange/dioxin victim Ly Van Quy. When we arrived, the gate was locked, in the yard there was a tall middle-aged man, walking and mumbling but unable to form words. Inviting us into the house, Mrs. Ngu said: In 1972, my husband joined the army and participated in serving the battlefield in the South. In 1975, my husband was discharged and returned to his hometown. My husband and I have 4 children. This is the third child, and he is 49 years old this year. Since birth, he has suffered from Agent Orange and has suffered from many diseases, such as diabetes, dermatitis, reduced vision in his left eye, and many itchy, ulcerated spots on his legs. He needs someone to assist him with all activities.
This year, Mrs. Ngu is 79 years old, her hands are shaking, her eyes are dark with worry. The house now has only the mother and daughter. Her husband passed away at the end of 2024. Every day, the couple's adopted daughter still runs back and forth to help.
Leaving Mrs. Ngu's house, we visited the family of Mr. Nguyen Ngoc An, group 12, Chieng Le ward, Son La city. After 6 years of serving in the southern battlefield, in 1976, Mr. An was discharged from the army, returned to his hometown and got married. He and his wife had 6 children, 2 of whom were affected by Agent Orange/dioxin.
In the conversation with Mr. An, it was learned that in 2000, he and his wife moved from Thai Binh province to Son La city to live, but his daughter was mentally unstable and had to be taken to Thai Binh province's Mental Hospital for treatment. His son was affected by Agent Orange, unable to work and was living with his grandparents. The family's income only depended on Mr. An's 3/4 war invalid allowance and support from his children, life was difficult. Currently, Mr. An had to rent a kiosk at the Chieng Coi Ward Wholesale Market to open an electronics and refrigeration repair shop.
Also in the shabby living room with a cabinet and an old wooden table and chair set, Mr. Lo Van Quoc, Phieng Cong hamlet, Thuan Chau town, Thuan Chau district, shared: From 1973 to 1974, I participated in the war in the Southern battlefield. After being discharged from the army and returning to my hometown, my wife and I had 5 children; due to the effects of toxic chemicals, one of my sons was born with a congenital mental disability. Every month, I receive a subsidy of more than 3.5 million VND, and my son receives more than 2.7 million VND. In addition, on holidays, the local Party Committee and government pay attention, encourage visits, and give gifts, helping the family have more strength to overcome difficulties.
Witnessing the pain of Agent Orange, we feel heartbroken. The foolish eyes, the uncontrollable actions, the wounds that never heal... of the victims of Agent Orange, more than ever, need sympathy, sharing and care not only from the Party Committee and government, but also from the whole community in terms of material and spiritual matters, to help them overcome loss, disadvantage, and stabilize their lives.
The province currently has 455 cases of Agent Orange/dioxin infection receiving state subsidies. Of these, 282 are direct victims and 173 are exposed victims. In order to care for people infected with toxic chemicals, the Provincial People's Committee has issued a plan to implement health care activities, rehabilitation, early detection, early intervention for malformations and disabilities, pregnancy management, and reproductive counseling for victims related to exposure to toxic chemicals dioxin in the province in the period of 2023-2030.
From 2000 to now, our province has confirmed and resolved the regime for 537 resistance fighters infected with toxic chemicals and their children. The Provincial Military Command has decoded for 22 subjects requesting decoding, confirming the symbols, unit codes, time and area of operation of military units participating in combat, serving combat on the battlefield where the US army sprayed toxic chemicals before April 30, 1975...
Effectively resolving preferential policies for people with meritorious services in general and victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in particular, local Party committees and authorities at all levels in the province continue to effectively implement policies and regimes; mobilize the joint efforts of the whole society to help victims of Agent Orange improve their lives, contributing to healing the wounds of war.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/chung-tay-cham-soc-nan-nhan-chat-doc-da-cam-P0aN8yoHg.html
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