Vietnam Agent Orange 65th anniversary

In mid‑July 2026, Vietnam announced nationwide commemorations to mark the 65th anniversary of the Agent Orange/dioxin disaster that began in 1961.

On 2 August 2026, Ho Chi Minh City hosted a large solidarity walk. More than 5,000 participants—including former party leaders, officials, diplomats, military personnel, students and ordinary citizens—marched along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. Organisers highlighted the multigenerational health impacts of the chemical, calling for continued domestic and international assistance, a dedicated fund for scholarships, wheelchairs, home repairs and livelihood aid, and broader support for environmental cleanup and medical care. International backing was noted from the United States, Belgium, France and Vietnamese diaspora communities.

Building on these commemorations, new welfare initiatives have been highlighted to support victims and their families. Data from the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin shows that between 2021 and 2025, over 2,424 billion VND was mobilized, with approximately 2,314 billion VND provided for nursing facility upgrades, housing repairs, medical examinations, rehabilitation, and livelihood assistance.

In 2026, a new nationwide program was launched specifically to remove temporary and dilapidated housing for children of resistance activists affected by chemical toxins. In Lai Chau province, a delegation led by National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hong visited Binh Lu commune to provide gifts and encouragement to families facing hardships due to these war legacies.

Furthering international cooperation, a delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City chapter of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) visited the United States in mid-August 2026. The group met with organizations such as VietLead and the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign (VAORRC) to seek support for healthcare, rehabilitation, and vocational training. During the visit, U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib expressed interest in supporting policy advocacy for those affected by dioxin and strengthening coordination with the Asian American community.