MSI Vietnam, with the support of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade RESPOND program, has provided free sexual and reproductive health services to over 200 women with disabilities and those exposed to Agent Orange as part of a clinic arranged by the Volunteer Doctors Association in Ha Noi.
The effects of the war are still felt in Vietnam, with the children of soldiers exposed to Agent Orange also affected by the chemical.
The Volunteer Doctors Association in Ha Noi organises free treatment for people with disabilities and those exposed to Agent Orange at the Duong Noi Health Station. This includes general exams; ear, nose and throat treatment; eye tests; blood tests and ultrasounds.
The head of the Duong Noi Health Station, Nguyen Thi Kim Quy, said, “In Ha Noi there are many cases with challenging circumstances and health problems. Over the years, we have worked with humanitarian organisations to organise events like this. However, our focus is normally general healthcare.”
“This time, thanks to MSI Vietnam and RESPOND, many women have had their first sexual and reproductive health counselling sessions and exams in many years, and some for the very first time,” she said.
Dinh Thi Quyen, who is 35, had her first ever gynaecological examination at the event. Her father was exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam war, and Quyen is affected too. She has difficulty speaking and shaking limbs. She left school after 8th grade as she was affected by high fevers, poor health and seizures. She lives with her family and receives an allowance of $A30 a month.
“My last medical visit was two years ago”, said Quyen.
“I am a woman, but this is the first time I have ever had a gynaecological exam”, she said.