Participants included representatives from relevant agencies across seven provinces benefiting from the project (Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Kon Tum, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Nai) and three provinces expected to join in the next phase (Quang Ngai, Ca Mau, and Bac Lieu). Attendees also included delegates from the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs; as well as central and local associations for Agent Orange victims, disability organizations, and project management units such as CCIHP, HI, CRS, and other key stakeholders.

The workshop highlighted remarkable achievements in 2024, including interventions that provided rehabilitation services to 6,000 persons with disabilities, care support for 6,500 individuals, and training for 800 medical professionals and technicians. Additionally, over 5,000 households received sustainable livelihood support, significantly enhancing living standards for families of persons with disabilities. Key discussions focused on three themes: livelihood support, sustainability in rehabilitation services, and long-term support for families of persons with disabilities. Mr. Tran Duc Hung emphasized, “The INCLUSION Project has brought about meaningful changes, significantly improving the lives of persons with disabilities. It is imperative to maintain and expand these effective models and integrate proven approaches into local health systems to ensure sustainability.”

In Quang Tri, project results as of November 2024 include rehabilitation services for 2,007 persons with disabilities, care services for 2,493 individuals, and training and support for 2,850 family members of persons with disabilities. Moreover, 161 healthcare workers have enhanced their rehabilitation skills through short, medium, and long-term training programs. The province disbursed $1,407,609 in project funds in 2024, with cumulative disbursements from 2022-2024 totaling $3,450,502 - 61% of the total allocated budget of $5,618,440 for five years.

On the workshop sidelines, Deputy Director Thai Huu Lieu engaged with Ms. Marialice Ariens, Director of the Office of Healing and Inclusive Development at USAID, and Mr. Anthony Kolb, Deputy Director of the same office. Mr. Lieu shared insights on the project’s implementation in Quang Tri, requesting additional financial support for 2026 following the approval of project adjustments. He also advocated for Quang Tri’s inclusion in the next phase of the INCLUSION Project after 2026.

Source: International cooperation department