Jointly held by the Vietnam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin (VAVA) Central Committee, the office of the standing board of the National Steering Committee on Overcoming Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, and the Army Radio-Television Centre, the programme aims to mark 63 years since the AO disaster in Vietnam (August 10, 1961 - 2024), the Day for AO/Dioxin Victims (August 10), and the 20th founding anniversary of the VAVA (2000-2024).
From 1961-1971, US troops sprayed more than 80 million litres of herbicides — 44 million litres of which were AO, containing around 366 kilograms of dioxin — over southern Vietnam.
As a result, around 4.8 million Vietnamese have been exposed to the toxic chemical, with about 3.2 million victims.
Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Huu Chinh, VAVA Chairman, stressed that AO victims are the poorest among the poor, and the most disadvantaged among the disadvantaged. Most victims and their families are facing many difficulties and shortages, both materially and spiritually.
Therefore, Chinh said there is a great need for the collective efforts of society and the support of the international community in healing the wounds of war and alleviating the pain caused by Agent Orange, adding that every act of assistance and sharing is a significant contribution to ensuring that no victim in the country is left behind.
At the event, the organising board received support from organisations, individuals, and audiences nationwide, as well as international friends.
The VAVA is mobilising support through two ways: by scanning a QR code to transfer money to account number 1961 at the Military Bank (MB Bank) via the account 'Vietnam Fund for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin'; or by scanning a QR code for donations through the VTC e-wallet.
