The Da Nang Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims, which is the first of its kind in the central region and the third in Viet Nam, has opened. 

The centre, which is now under the control of the city’s Association of AO Victims, has been built on an area of 180m².  There are 2 sauna rooms and areas for medial examinations, consultancy services, and taking vitamins, plus accommodation for the patients.

The 4 doctors and nurses at the centre have attended a training course at the Thai Binh Province Detoxification Centre, which was the first of its kind in Viet Nam.  A method researched by American scientologist L Ron Hubbard has been used here to treat AO-affected people.

A nuclear weapons-affected man from the Peace Boat, which is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organisation, visiting some local AO and disadvantaged children

The Hubbard treatment lasts between 4 and 5 hours, and the participants are prescribed high content vitamins and take strenuous exercise to excrete sweat.  They then enter a sauna to perspire profusely and the toxins are released from the body.  In addition, the participants are required to drink water and eat fruits while they are taking a shower and sauna.  The process is closely monitored by the medical staff.

The Chairwoman of the city’s Association of AO Victims, Mrs Nguyen Thi Hien, said that over 108,000 USD of the total construction costs of the centre was provided by the Harris Freeman Foundation.  She added that a waste water treatment system has been incorporated into the centre. 

The city has over 5,000 AO victims, more than 1,400 of whom are children.  About 200 of these children are living in the 3 shelters which are under the management of the city’s Support Centre for AO Victims and Disadvantaged Children.