Thousand of people with dissabilities benefit from Inclusion Project in Quang Tri

By the end of 2024, Quang Tri is set to provide vital support to approximately 4,260 people with disabilities, including children affected by Agent Orange/dioxin. These residents will benefit from a comprehensive suite of medical care, rehabilitation programs, and social services, all designed to empower and uplift their lives.

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam hopes that the donor USAID and project leader NACCET will continue supporting Quang Tri Province in expanding project activities and areas after June 2026.

Additionally, ten rehabilitation units will expand their capabilities to offer multidisciplinary services, and 186 healthcare workers will receive specialized training to enhance their skills. This announcement was made on August 19 during a meeting about the “Improving the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities in Heavily Affected Provinces” project, also known as the Inclusion Project.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, Hoang Nam, alongside a delegation from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Action Center for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET). The delegation was led by USAID Director Aler Grubbs and NACCET General Director Major General Ha Van Cu.

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam presents gifts to USAID Director in Vietnam, Aler Grubbs, and the delegation members. Photo: N.B

Approved by the Prime Minister on July 20, 2021, the project is overseen by the Ministry of Defense, with funding provided by USAID and implementation handled by NACCET under the Chemical Corps of the Ministry of National Defense. Phase 1 of the project, running from 2021 to 2026, includes Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam provinces.

The overall goal of the project is to significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in these regions through three key objectives: expanding medical and rehabilitation services to enhance health and living conditions; increasing social services and support to foster social integration; and developing policies to reduce barriers and promote social inclusion.

In Quang Tri, the Inclusion Project was rolled out in 2022 and 2023 across Dong Ha City and the districts of Vinh Linh, Gio Linh, Cam Lo, Trieu Phong, Hai Lang, and Huong Hoa. Starting in 2024, the project will extend its reach to include Dakrong District.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman Hoang Nam emphasized the province’s appreciation for the support from USAID and NACCET in funding and executing the Inclusion Project. He urged USAID to consider adjusting project targets to better match the province’s actual conditions, particularly by increasing the budget for livelihood support, as many households with disabilities fall below the poverty line and have a significant need for income assistance.

Nam highlighted the necessity for a program to update the database on people with disabilities in the province, enhanced rehabilitation equipment for healthcare, and support for early screening and intervention activities. He also expressed hopes that USAID and NACCET would continue to assist in expanding project activities and areas beyond June 2026.

The provincial government committed to maintaining strong cooperation with relevant agencies and organizations to ensure the project’s goals of supporting people with disabilities are met, adhering to the principle of "leaving no one behind”, he underlined.

Both Aler Grubbs, USAID Director in Vietnam, and Major General Ha Van Cu, NACCET’s General Director, commended the province’s proactive involvement in supporting projects for people with disabilities and efforts to address post-war bomb and mine impacts. He reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the region.

Van Trang - Khanh Khanh