Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims and their relatives have suffered physical and mental pains day after day. Alleviating their pains is now the responsibility of the whole community. A new-born policy is expected to bring happiness to the victims.
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Two brothers Nguyen Thanh Dat and Nguyen Thanh Loi are paralyzed |
Nguyen Van Bao’s house is located in a small alley in Ngo May town of Phu Cat district. Its foundation is always flooded after heavy rain. He sadly told us his family story in a monotonous voice.
After their wedding in Feb., 1994, his wife, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Diem, gave birth to two sons, Nguyen Thanh Dat in 1997 and Nguyen Thanh Loi in 1998. When they started their first words and steps, he realized they weren’t able to clearly pronounce any words and their legs started to be disabled.
Another son was born in 2003, but he still suffers similar pains as he almost can’t speak or move while his psychology is abnormal.
Everyday Bao earns a living by driving a pedicab while Diem stays at home to look after their sons.
Nguyen Xuan Thuy Linh living nearby is also completely paralyzed. In addition, Phu Cat district also sees other severe cases and most of them are children.
At present, there are more than 200 AO/dioxin victims in Phu Cat, according to Tran Xuan Nhi, an official of Phu Cat Association for AO/dioxin victims. Among them, only 60 directly joined the revolutionary wars and their children get allowance while most victims are poor.
Chairman of Vietnam Association for AO/dioxin victims issued the Decision asking its affiliates in provinces of Binh Dinh, Dong Nai and Da Nang city to list all under-18 AO/dioxin victims in hot spots.
Accordingly, Phu Cat’s association for AO/dioxin victims was assigned to implement the task, giving priority over those who belong to underprivileged households and social beneficiaries.
The association carried out the task in two communes of Cat Trinh and Cat Tan and Ngo May town, recognizing 25 cases in Cat Tan and 23 cases in Ngo May.
“It is hard to find under-18 AO/dioxin victims who are children of revolutionary veterans,” said Tran Xuan Nhi.
The local authorities set up many functional panels in 18 communes and towns of which Cat Trinh, Cat Tan, and Ngo May town are benefiting from the community-base rehabilitation project. The panel representatives actively assisted officials in collecting information about AO/dioxin victims.
However, the study still faced many difficulties due to the lack of information and manpower and other reasons.
“The study is very important factor to implement aid programs for AO/dioxin victims, particularly in international charitable projects. The task has still been carried out,” said Chairman of Binh Dinh Association for AO/dioxin victims, Phung Ngoc Diep.
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