Son La cares for Agent Orange victims

The war has passed for nearly half a century, but the pain of Agent Orange (AO) still lingers in the daily lives of more than 1,000 people in Son La province. Over the past years, together with authorities at all levels and agencies, the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin’s chapter in Son La province (VAVA Son La) has always cared for the material and spiritual life of the victims.

VAVA Son La was established in April 2018. The chapter now has nine branches in districts and cities, with 457 members. With the motto "Solidarity - Love - Responsibility - For Agent Orange victims", it is responsible for taking care of and protecting the interests of Agent Orange/dioxin victims and serves as a legal representative for its members in relations with organizations and individuals inside and outside the province.

It is also in charge of receiving donations from organizations and individuals to help its members stabilize their lives.

Officers from the Division of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of Thuan Chau district visit an AO victim in Thai Cong village, Phong Lang commune.

Currently, all members are paid a monthly allowance. Of them, 281 are directly exposed to AO and 173 are the biological children of infected resistance war participants. On Lunar New Year (Tet) and holidays, agencies at all levels, sectors, unions, organizations and individuals have visited and given gifts to members' families, especially those in difficult circumstances.

Since 2018, agencies, units, businesses and benefactors have supported the construction and repair of many houses for members; presented wheelchairs, warm clothes and scholarships; and supported those with illnesses, with a total cost of 1.4 billion VND (58,960 USD).

The VAVA Central Committee aided the construction and repair of seven houses of gratitude; and gave 75 gifts, 45 wheelchairs and two scholarships worth 218 million VND (9,228 USD) in total under the "Seeds of Hope" project funded by the Fund for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims.

Currently, the settlement of benefits for AO victims still faces many difficulties due to lack of documents or loss of original papers. It is hoped that authorities at all levels, agencies, localities and social communities will continue to support victims of toxic chemicals, giving them strength to overcome their pain and rise up in life.

Huyen Trang
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Long-serving Party members honoured in Son La

    Long-serving Party members honoured in Son La

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    The Party Committee of provincial Party Agencies on August 25 held a ceremony to present Party membership badges on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People's Council and Secretary of the Party Committee of provincial Party Agencies, attended the event.
  • 'Provincial leader listens to Chieng Khoong residents' opinions

    Provincial leader listens to Chieng Khoong residents' opinions

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    The Standing Board of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee on August 25 held a “Listening to the people” conference in Chieng Khoong commune to listen to, discuss and address residents’ opinions and petitions on issues related to their livelihoods and daily lives. Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and President of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Cha A Cua chaired the event.
  • ' Soldiers lend a hand as Son La races to complete border boarding schools

    Soldiers lend a hand as Son La races to complete border boarding schools

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    The Son La provincial Military Command is the investor of three primary and secondary boarding schools in Phieng Pan, Muong Leo and Chieng Khuong communes. With close coordination among military personnel, militia and self-defence forces and contractors, the projects are being accelerated with additional manpower and equipment while maintaining safety standards, with the aim of completing the schools in time for the 2026-27 academic year.
  • 'Long Phieng Boarding School inaugurated after nine months of construction

    Long Phieng Boarding School inaugurated after nine months of construction

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    The Son La provincial People’s Committee held a ceremony on August 22 to inaugurate and launch trial operation of the Long Phieng Primary and Secondary Boarding School. Attending the event were Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council; Cha A Cua, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and President of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, among other officials; along with teachers, students and local residents.
  • ' Long Phieng Boarding School holds inauguration rehearsal

    Long Phieng Boarding School holds inauguration rehearsal

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet on August 21 attended the final rehearsal for the inauguration and trial operation of Long Phieng Primary and Secondary Boarding School in Long Phieng commune. Also attending were Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Trung Chien, Vice Chairman of the committee Dang Ngoc Hau, and representatives of several departments and agencies.
  • ' Yen Son Boarding School readies for opening

    Yen Son Boarding School readies for opening

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet on August 21 attended the final rehearsal for the inauguration and trial operation of Yen Son Primary and Secondary Boarding School in Yen Son commune. Also attending were Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Trung Chien, and representatives of several departments and agencies.
  • 'New school helps nurture dreams of students in Yen Son border area

    New school helps nurture dreams of students in Yen Son border area

    SOCIETY -
    After more than nine months of construction, the Yen Son Primary and Secondary Boarding School project has completed all major facilities and is ready to welcome teachers and students for the new academic year. It is set to become a dream school, nurturing children from ethnic minority communities in the border area and helping them pursue their dreams of a brighter future.
  • 'Chieng Hac highland market: A journey into local culture

    Chieng Hac highland market: A journey into local culture

    BUSINESS -
    The Chieng Hac commune People’s Committee on April 21 held the 2026 highland market under the theme “Back to Cherished Memories,” featuring a vibrant lineup of cultural, sporting and culinary activities that drew large crowds of local residents and visitors.
  • 'Son La, Houaphanh boost industry, trade connectivity

    Son La, Houaphanh boost industry, trade connectivity

    FOREIGN AFFAIR -
    A delegation from the Department of Industry and Trade of Laos' Houaphanh province led by its Director Thongsuk Somphavan paid a working visit to the Department of Industry and Trade of Son La province on August 20. Director of the Son La department Ha Nhu Hue received and held a working session with the delegation.