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Da Nang city was identified as one of the three hottest spots for dioxin contamination in Vietnam. Recognizing the role of VPHA, the Ford Foundation supported VPHA in collaboration with Da Nang PPHA have intended to implement the program to reduce the risk of dioxin exposure through the food chain for residents of four wards near Da Nang airbase. The program objectives are reducing risk of dioxin exposure through food. 76.9 liters of chemicals, including around 49.3 liters of Agent Orange (AO) was sprayed in Vietnam. 35 years later, it is still poisoning people living near the hot spots today. Da Nang’s airbase served as bulk storages and supply facilities for Agent Orange (A0) during Operation Ranch Hand. International and national environmental assessments reported highly elevated dioxin levels in Da Nang, specifically four wards: Hoa Khe, An Khe, Thanh Khe and Chinh Gian, and notably the lotus lake and the lake inside the airbase. According to an officer, there no living creatures could live in this lake without dioxin contaminated. During the annual rain season, polluted water flows over the soil and affects the health of the community.
People living and consuming the food planted and feed on the soil have the highest risk of dioxin exposure. People are exposed to dioxin through highly contaminated food, including ducks, free range chicken, pork, beef…etc. It is possible that public health intervention can immediately serve as a tool for protecting people those who are living in the hot-spots while other solutions are still under consideration. Giving evidence and developing a database for effective implementation program, a Knowledge Attitudes and Practices assessment has studied the four wards at Da Nang City. This study on dioxin and dioxin contaminated food was carried out from November 22nd, 2009 to November 28th, 2009. Tools used in Bien Hoa for KAP study – community participation approach and the intervention developed in Bien Hoa – were used in Da Nang. The education and communication program has produced a package of IEC materials for the target group (who mainly prepare the meal for the family between 16 to 60 years old).
The program is expected to reduce the risk of dioxin exposure. To help people in Da Nang now and in the future, the recommendation is to increase knowledge, change behavior and attitude regarding the use uncontaminated food, along with additional health follow-up and possible environmental remediation. Moreover, the important role of right food consumption and the awareness of dioxin risk and its preventable solutions must be provided for people among central and local government. Hopefully, the program would be supported by the government and related agencies in Da Nang.
With the capacities and experiences in program implementation to reduce the risk of dioxin exposure, VPHA in close conjunction with departments, local and international organizations, will conduct more programs at hot spots for dioxin contamination in Vietnam. Through this program, VPHA has been contributing to the health protection of dioxin affected communities and the general community as well.
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