An AO/dioxin victim (Photo:VNA) Dak Nong (VNA) – The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong is now home to nearly 900 Vietnam War veterans who have been affected by Agent Orange and related toxins, according to the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
The figure was revealed during a working session between the provincial People’s Committee and a delegation from the national steering committee on overcoming the consequences of the toxic chemicals used by the US during the war in Viet Nam. The event was held on November 17.
Attendees reviewed the results of recent tasks and proposed plans on how to overcome the consequences of Agent Orange and other toxins used on humans and the local environment.
According to the department, local authorities and charity organisations have held a number of activities to care for, and improve the spiritual and material lives of the toxic chemicals’ victims .
However, the works are facing many difficulties, including a lack of investigations and instructions to warn the people about areas affected by the chemicals; financial limits in detoxification treatment of hotspots; and low qualifications of healthcare staff participating in victims’ treatment.
To deal with these problems, the province proposed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment build a system to observe and manage the chemicals’ effects in the locality.
The Ministry of Health was asked to provide training for medical workers who treat Agent Orange victims.
Vu Chien Thang, Deputy Head of the Steering Committee, said that Dak Nong should raise more public awareness about the chemicals’ environmental and health effects.-VNA
