Delegates participate in the 2026 “Walk for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims.” (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The program was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and partner organizations, attracting a large number of officials, association members, residents, and representatives of organizations and individuals.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, between 1961 and 1971, the US military carried out nearly 20,000 aerial spraying missions, dispersing approximately 80 million liters of toxic chemicals over southern Vietnam. More than 61% of the chemicals sprayed were Agent Orange containing dioxin. More than half a century after the war, the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin continue to have severe impacts on the environment, public health, and the lives of generations of Vietnamese people.

Addressing the event, Associate Professor, Dr., People's Physician, Major General Nguyen Hong Son, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, said that although the war ended long ago, the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin continue to affect many families and generations.

In addition to fully implementing policies for victims, it is necessary to further strengthen public awareness efforts so that the community gains a better understanding of the consequences of chemical warfare and joins hands in supporting those who continue to suffer its effects. Care for Agent Orange/dioxin victims should go beyond immediate assistance and focus on long-term rehabilitation and social integration. Those affected should be provided with opportunities for rehabilitation, education, vocational training, suitable employment, and gradual improvements in their living conditions.

Associate Professor, Dr., People's Physician, Major General Nguyen Hong Son, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Following the merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the number of Agent Orange/dioxin victims in the city has increased, creating greater demands for healthcare services, livelihood support, and social welfare. In response, the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin is implementing the Orange Village Project, which integrates healthcare, rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and production activities tailored to the abilities of the victims.

The Association called on relevant authorities to continue providing support through appropriate mechanisms and policies, land resources, and other necessary funding so that the project can be implemented as soon as possible, contributing to a sustainable environment for the care and social integration of Agent Orange/dioxin victims.

As part of the program, the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, in collaboration with the General Nguyen Chi Thanh Museum, introduced the book An Unavoidable Mission by the late Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh. Dang Thi Minh Ngoc, the widow of the late Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, said the book was completed based on his manuscripts and documents, documenting his many years of efforts to promote international cooperation in addressing the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam.

The program introduces the book “An unavoidable mission” by the late Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The book also conveys a message of dialogue, responsibility, and humanitarianism in the process of healing the wounds left by war. Rather than recounting the achievements of a single individual, it reflects the efforts of multiple generations to build trust, strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war, and promote aspirations for peace and humanitarian values.

On this occasion, the family of the late Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh decided to donate all proceeds from book sales at the event to the Ho Chi Minh City Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims Fund. The organizing committee also received donations from government agencies, organizations, businesses, and benefactors, while presenting gifts to encourage Agent Orange/dioxin victims facing difficult circumstances.

The 2026 “Walk for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims” continued to spread the message of joining hands to ease the suffering caused by Agent Orange, helping mobilize social resources to improve the lives of victims while fostering solidarity and a sense of community responsibility toward those who continue to bear the consequences of war.

JVPF Supports Disadvantaged Students and Agent Orange Victims During a working visit to Bac Ninh on May 25-26, a delegation from the Japan-Viet Nam Peace and Friendship Promotion Council (JVPF) said it would continue implementing support activities for disadvantaged students and victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, while strengthening cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

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