Representatives of USAID and Bạc Liêu province pose for a photo during the programme on March 14. — Photos of USAID

BẠC LIÊU — The United States Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Bạc Liêu People’s Committee to launch USAID’s persons with disabilities programme in Bạc Liêu province, first announced during President Joseph Biden’s September 2023 visit to Việt Nam.

“Our cooperation to overcome the legacies of war has been foundational for building trust, demonstrating our commitment, and advancing the relationship between the United States and Việt Nam to what is now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” said Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director, during remarks delivered at the launch event.

“Today’s launch of our program for persons with disabilities in Bạc Liêu delivers on our two countries’ shared priorities and our support for a strong, resilient, prosperous, independent Việt Nam.”

USAID is launching its Disabilities Rights Enforcement, Coordination and Therapies project in Bạc Liêu. The project supports the enforcement of disability laws, expansion of rehabilitation services and livelihood support to persons with disabilities, and improvement in early childhood disability detection. The $1.15 million project is implemented by long-time USAID partner, Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped (VNAH), and runs from 2023 to October 2025.

A person with disabilities in Bạc Liêu province. The project is implemented by Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped (VNAH), and runs from 2023 to October 2025.

Through the U.S. Leahy War Victims Fund, USAID has worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Vietnam since 1991. U.S. assistance has addressed medical and social needs, improved disability policies, and reduced physical and social barriers. To date, the U.S. Government through USAID has contributed more than US$155 million in assistance to persons with disabilities in Việt Nam. — VNS