The war has been over for nearly half a century. However, millions of Vietnamese exposed to Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin continue to suffer from its consequences on a daily basis.
Measures to resolve the lingering consequences of unexploded ordnances (UXO) and toxic chemicals left by wars throughout the country were discussed at a dialogue held by the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war UXO and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Office 701) on December 25.
A seminar was held in the southern province of Dong Nai on August 19 to discuss a project to support people with disabilities caused by Agent Orange/dioxin sprayed on seven localities of Vietnam during the war.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to providing assistance to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in seven priority provinces in Vietnam.
Vietnam and the US have reviewed their cooperation in dealing with the consequences of war during a conference in Washington DC on March 26, which was jointly held by the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Office 701) and the US Institute of Peace (USIP).
Vietnam wants the international community to join efforts in dealing with war consequences, helping the country develop sustainably and participate in UN peacekeeping operations more actively.
Vietnam and the US have succeeded in detoxifying 32ha of land previously polluted with dioxins at Da Nang Airport, as heard at a conference in the central city to review the outcomes of the project.
A decision to establish the Office of the Standing Agency of the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences was announced on March 8.