http://www.vov.org.vn/2004_12_14/english/xahoi.htm![](http://www.vov.org.vn/2004_12_14/hinhanh/tienganh/Mot-em-be-nhiem-chat-doc-da.jpg)
The Vietnam Red Cross (VRC) on Monday handed over VND3.5 billion to its chapters in 16 provinces and cities in the central region, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta.
The sum will be used to build more than 100 houses, vocational training centres and maternity wards, and buy 250 cows, pigs and goats to help Agent Orange victims.
An additional VND1.5 billion will be donated to the Vietnam Agent Orange Victims Association (VAVA) to assist victims involved in the lawsuit against US chemical firms.
The lawsuit was first filed by three Vietnamese dioxin victims, and accused 36 US companies of producing and supplying the toxic defoliant used by the US army in Vietnam between 1961 and 1971.
More than 2 million Vietnamese continue to suffer from diseases linked to Agent Orange.
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