Vietnam has about 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, of them about 3.2 million victims, living in all provinces and cities.
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on August 10 visited and presented gifts to Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims at the centre for caring, nurturing and treating victims of AO/dioxin in Ba Vi district, Hanoi, on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Day for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin Victims (August 10, 1961 -2024).Vice President Xuan said that overcoming post-war consequences is still difficult, especially for AO/dioxin victims with many sequelae, affecting the health, quality of life, and economic conditions of the victims and their families. This requires more joint efforts from all levels and sectors.

On the same day, Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien visited and presented gifts to those staying at the Hanoi centre for caring, nurturing and treating victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in Ba Vi suburban district.
He affirmed that over the past time, the implementation of policies and the improvement of health care and living conditions for these victims have received due attention from the Party, State, Government, ministries, and local authorities, as well as support from both domestic citizens and international friends. These works have seen a lot of commendable improvements.

The official requested the steering committee to work closely and effectively with relevant agencies and units to ensure timely and increasingly practical support for AO victims. He also proposed the US, especially the US Agency for International Development (USAID), make its utmost efforts alongside Vietnam to effectively implement projects that improve the quality of life for these victims.

Ambassador Marc Knapper emphasised that cooperation in addressing post-war consequences is one of the basic elements for the US and Vietnam to build trust, demonstrate their commitments, and advance their bilateral relationship to become a comprehensive strategic partnership as it is today.

He expressed his belief that with efforts for the common interests, the two countries will continue to overcome the history and build a better future for the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin. 
in Ho Chi Minh City, over 5,000 join charity walk to support Agent Orange/dioxin victims. Major General Tran Ngoc Tho, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, said that even though the war has passed for nearly half a century, the wounds of war, physical and mental pain still linger in everyone’s hearts. He called on the people to provide continued support for the victims to help them ease the pain caused by the toxic chemicals.
At the event, the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin presented 20 savings books worth 10 million VND (397 USD) each to local victims.
From 1961 to 1971, the US military sprayed more than 80 million litres of toxic chemicals, 61% of which was Agent Orange containing 366kg of dioxin, over 3.06 million hectares of land and forests, or one fourth of the area of southern Vietnam.

The toxic chemicals caused strong and enduring impacts on the environment and human health. About 4.8 million people in Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin. Statistics show nearly 1 million victims have died since 1975, while hundreds of thousands have been fighting against serious illnesses caused by the toxic chemicals. 
In the coming time, The State has further instituted various guidelines and policies to honour those who rendered meritorious services to the revolution. This includes soldiers whose offspring have been affected by these toxic chemicals.The State allocates over VNĐ10 trillion (US$420 million) annually from its budget to provide monthly allowances, medical care, and rehabilitation for these victims. This funding also assists areas heavily impacted by Agent Orange, all in an effort to alleviate the suffering of the victims and their families.
Despite the socio-economic challenges faced this year, the Việt Nam Fund for Victims of Agent Orange has managed to gather a sum of VNĐ320 billion ($13.4 million) to aid victims and their families in housing, livelihood enhancement, and in motivating them to tackle hardships.
Nevertheless, that the primary challenge faced by Agent Orange victims today is medical assistance.This includes providing care and support for victims both at their homes and within social protection centres and wider communities. Along with many descendants of the victims, including their children and grandchildren, are grappling with severe illnesses. The impending concern is the lack of support these younger generations will face once their parents are no longer around. In the coming time, various organisations, individuals, and benefactors would offer aid, ensuring stable employment opportunities for the victims so they can be self-reliant. The State has been petitioned to provide support for this third generation.
Supporting the victims of Agent Orange isn't solely a charitable act. It is a tangible way of expressing gratitude to those who made significant contributions to the nation. Moreover, it embodies the collective conscience and responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. The whole of society must come together to assist these victims.