From July 25 to July 28, 2025, the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC), in collaboration with the Department of Health, Huong Thuy Medical Center, and local ward health stations in Hue City, successfully organized a medical screening examination activity for more than 200 persons with disabilities. This activity was part of the project “Improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in provinces sprayed with Agent Orange.”
The screening activity took place in three wards: Phu Bai, Huong Thuy, and Thanh Thuy. Participants included persons with significant disabilities , along with their direct caregivers- especially those receiving benefits due to exposure to toxic chemicals (Agent Orange/Dioxin).
Persons with disabilities received medical screening and care provided by qualified doctors
The primary objective of the activity was to screen, assess, and evaluate the rehabilitation and healthcare needs of persons with disabilities, and subsequently develop intervention plans tailored to their health conditions and individual needs. The screening program included in-depth components such as: identifying the project's intervention support needs; evaluating daily living functional capacity; assessing the participation and functioning of persons with disabilities; evaluating overall health status and care needs;; categorizing appropriate intervention groups based on health condition, type, and level of disability.
The screening was conducted by a professional team of rehabdoctors, rehabilitation technicians, and nurses from the Huong Thuy Medical Center, with technical support and supervision from specialists at the Hue Rehabilitation Hospital. The process was also supported by staff from local health stations and local authorities throughout the implementation process.
The medical team conducted home visits to assess the health conditions and care needs of persons with disabilities
Mr. Tran Hong, a person with disabilities and a landmine victim from Phu Bai Ward, shared: “I’ve been living with the effects of a landmine explosion for decades. I lost one leg, and now the stump is shrinking further. I used to have a prosthetic leg provided by a previous project, but it is broken now. I hope the current project can support me with a new one so that I can move around more easily.”
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Mau, a person with disabilities affected by Agent Orange from Thanh Thuy Ward, added: “I was directly affected by chemical toxins. I have four children, and my youngest son is the most severely impacted. His mental health is unstable, and he cannot do anything on his own. While my other children don’t show visible symptoms, they are also affected to some extent. Our family relies on farming, and our financial condition is difficult. I hope to receive support from the project to help improve our lives and reduce hardship.”
The screening activity not only provided professional medical insights but also served as a foundation for developing individual intervention plans.. Based on the assessment results, the project will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement appropriate interventions including home-based rehabilitation, provision of assistive devices, caregiving consultation, and livelihood support. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.