Help given to Agent Orange victims
Ha Noi, Jan. 20 (VNA) -- Hundreds of Agent Orange victims in Ha Noi have benefited from a programme launched by the city's Red Cross, Farmers and Gardeners Associations as part of their joint effort to relieve the victims' suffering.
A three-phase programme that kicked off in 1997 has provided victims with capital and know-how to help improve their daily life by practising gardening and farming work.
"What we have done can alleviate their physical pains and difficulties in their daily life only. There remain other sufferings that can not be removed with either material assistance or money supply", said Dang Thi Kim Diep, member of the Ha Noi Red Cross Association.
Trinh Ba Chuyen, who is an Agent Orange victim, said his family earns about VND 10 million a year from gardening and livestock breeding. As a result, his family hasbeen able to afford good home appliances and furniture since he was given help from the Red Cross.
Chuyen, a resident of Xuan Phuong commune in Tu Liem district, said he did not believe he fell victim to Agent Orange when he was demobilized after 20 years in military service. He said he never forgets the terrible memories of the war staged by the U.S. in Viet Nam.
According to initial statistics, Ha Noi now has 1,017 Agent Orange victims, not including those who have been affected by this toxic chemical through medical checks, but who have not yet been included in the statistics due to the lack of required documents.--VNA
