More than 5,000 people took part in the Walk for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on August 2, in a campaign aimed at raising awareness and supporting people affected by Agent Orange.
The event, held on Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Sai Gon Ward, was organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin to mark the 65th anniversary of the Agent Orange disaster in Vietnam, commemorated on August 10.
Among those attending were Nguyen Van Nen, former secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, former vice-president of Vietnam, Nguyen Manh Cuong, vice-chair of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, and thousands of residents.
Nguyen Hong Son, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, said the annual walk aimed to spread hope, resilience and solidarity with those affected by Agent Orange, while reinforcing the commitment that no one should be left behind.
Son said that although 65 years had passed since the Agent Orange disaster and more than 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, millions of Vietnamese across three to four generations continued to suffer from severe physical and psychological health problems linked to exposure.
He said the Vietnamese government had recognised the legacy of Agent Orange as a major post-war humanitarian issue immediately after national reunification and had introduced a range of social policies to support victims. He added that organisations and individuals had also contributed through charitable efforts, helping improve living conditions for many affected families, although significant challenges remained.
According to organisers, Ho Chi Minh City is home to an estimated 25,000 Agent Orange victims across multiple generations.
During the event, organisers presented 10 savings books, each worth VND 10 million (USD 382), to 10 disadvantaged families affected by Agent Orange, along with additional gifts for victims.