In November last year, the Vietnam Association for Support UXO/ Mine Action was founded as part of the National Mine Action Programme. On Wednesday, Nov 11th, the fund held a ceremony to celebrate its 1st anniversary and review its achievements during the past year.
The Vietnam Association for Support UXO/ Mine Action (VNASMA) is intended to help reduce the effects of mines and unexploded ordnance people living on what were former battlefield frontlines. The association has attracted 500 individual and organisation both domestically and internationally.
Besides sending presents to poor families tragically affected by mines, and prosthetic arms and legs for the victims of mines and other unexploded ordnance, the association has implemented programmes to help the victims earn living. The provision of cattle to the victims in Quang Nam Province is an example.
"My family used to face many difficulties. I never thought that I would have a cow to raise income. I’m really grateful for the association’s support", Vang Thi Luong, a mine victim in Quang Nam Province, said.
At the end of this year, the second phase of the livelihood support programme in Quảng Nam Province will receive over 36 thousand USD in funding.
"We’ll establish some branches in focused areas. The association will also continue to survey the number, addresses and status of victims to give appropriate support as well as work with other organisations to raise funds", Lieutenant-General Nguyen Duc Soat, Chairman of Vietnam Association for Support UXO/ Mine Action, said.
Over 20% of the country is polluted by mines or unexploded ordnance. 800 thousand explosives are estimated to still be scattered across the country and over 100 thousand people continue to suffer the consequences of the American War 40 years after its conclusion, with this number forecasted to keep rising.
