Vietnam Marks 50 Years Since War Amid Ongoing Struggles from Agent Orange

Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, millions of Vietnamese people continue to suffer from the lingering effects of Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide sprayed by U.S. forces during the conflict. Agent Orange, contaminated with dioxin, has been linked to cancers, birth defects, and long-term environmental damage, impacting not only those directly exposed but also subsequent generations. Estimates indicate that about 3 million people in Vietnam, including many children, still experience serious health issues related to the chemical. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing for decades, partially supported by belated U.S. aid, yet vast areas remain contaminated, and concerns persist over potential reductions in foreign assistance. The legacy of Agent Orange continues to affect daily life in communities, especially near former U.S. airbases like Da Nang, where dioxin persists in the soil and water. Despite some progress in remediation and cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam, the chemical's toxic impacts remain a significant humanitarian and environmental burden.