Quang Tri province is among the regions of Vietnam most severely affected by the enduring consequences of the Vietnam War. Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) is deeply committed to highlighting these long-term effects. To date, efforts to effectively mitigate these impacts have been insufficient. This is precisely why GCCH has been active in Vietnam since 1998.

However, there have even been setbacks. The new US administration has halted the crucial decontamination of areas particularly affected by Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance. This decision contradicts the USA’s historical responsibility. It is important to note that, thus far, the USA has not provided conventional development aid for those affected by Agent Orange but has contributed to addressing the damage caused.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, the US Air Force conducted extensive bombing campaigns in Vietnam. An estimated two million of the bombs dropped during that period remain buried in the ground, posing a constant threat to the lives and physical well-being of the population. Since the war ended in 1975, the number of victims is estimated to have reached 100,000.

Furthermore, the chemical weapon Agent Orange was deployed at the time, leading to countless children being born with severe physical and mental disabilities across generations.

Quang Tri province is one of the areas most affected by these long-term consequences. The statistics are striking: while the province is home to less than 1% of Vietnam’s population and covers just over 1% of the country’s total area, its residents account for approximately 10% of the victims of unexploded ordnance nationwide.

For GCCH, involvement in Quang Tri was an obvious choice. Since last year, we have been collaborating with the organisation ACDC, which provides essential support to people with disabilities in the province. The organisation carries out vital work in social and psychological support, rehabilitation, orthopaedic assistance and accessible living solutions (read more here).

For us, one thing is clear: it is now more crucial than ever to intensify efforts to support those affected by Agent Orange and other enduring consequences of the Vietnam War.

Further information:

People’s World article

Website of our partner organisation ACDC

A cautionary tale: this is what the Vietnam War represents for our present day, marked by crises and conflicts. Its history serves as a stark reminder of the devastating long-term consequences of war and how suffering often persists for generations long after the fighting has ceased.

This year, 30 April marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Over the past half-century, the consequences for the Vietnamese population have remained severe. The war’s impact on social conditions and the psychological wellbeing of the people is still deeply felt. To this day, countless landmines and unexploded bombs remain hidden beneath the ground, instilling fear and continuing to cause serious injuries, maiming and loss of life. Furthermore, the use of the defoliant Agent Orange by the US Air Force and allies of the U.S. between 1965 and 1970 continues to have fatal repercussions.

Children are still being born with severe physical and mental disabilities as a direct result of Agent Orange exposure, now affecting the fourth generation, with no end in sight. Unfortunately, efforts to provide effective assistance to those affected remain inadequate. This is where Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) has been actively engaged in Vietnam since 1998. One key focus is the regular provision of orthopaedic aids for individuals affected by Agent Orange. For many, these prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices are essential for leading an independent life and integrating into society. However, such aids are often unaffordable and are not covered by health insurance.

This year, GCCH is not only expanding its aid projects in Vietnam but also bringing greater visibility to its efforts. Swiss television audiences could witness the impact of our projects in a report on the SRF 1 programme “mitenand” on Sunday, 23 March at 7.15pm (now available here, in German). The programme highlights how prostheses funded by GCCH have fundamentally and positively transformed the life of a nine-year-old Vietnamese boy named Quyet. His story is just one example of how we have been able to support thousands of affected individuals – thanks to our valued project partners and donors.

GCCH is also involved in the exhibition “War Without End: The Toxic Legacy of the Vietnam War – 50 Years On”:

• 18 April – 11 May
• Photobastei Zurich (photobastei.ch)
• Further information Ӏ directions from Zurich main station
• Free admission
• Opening hours: Wednesday and Sunday: 12pm – 6pm; Thursday – Saturday: 12pm – 9pm

We warmly invite anyone interested to attend the vernissage on 17 April at 6pm. This event presents a great opportunity to engage with Green Cross representatives, experience the exhibition with us and learn more about our ongoing work in Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming you!

The exhibition features powerful images captured by award-winning photographer Roland Schmid, who has a long-standing collaboration with our partner, freelance journalist, photographer and filmmaker Peter Jaeggi. Jaeggi’s work includes the informative and deeply moving book “Krieg ohne Ende. Chemiewaffen im Vietnamkrieg, Agent Orange und andere Kriegsverbrechen” (War without End: Chemical Weapons in the Vietnam War, Agent Orange and Other War Crimes). We highly recommend reading this book – find out more here.

Further links:

• Information about the exhibition on the Photobastei website
• Website of Roland Schmid
• Website of Peter Jaeggi
• Interview with Peter Jaeggi about his book “Krieg ohne Ende” (War without End)

The photograph featured in this article was taken by Roland Schmid.

The team of Green Cross Switzerland met Dr. Daniel Hueskes and his son Benjamin Hueskes. The two orthopaedists gave insights into their voluntary activities: provision of orthopaedic aids and surgical treatment for children and young adults with disabilities.

Prior to his first journey to Vietnam in 2003, Daniel Hueskes asked his son: «Benjamin, what do you think? Should I do that? » He answered: «Yes, but then you have to give up your holidays. » This is how 22 years ago the cooperation with Green Cross Switzerland began.

Great emphasis was placed on the sustainability of the orthopaedic projects. Based on the experience on a different project, where 30 children were provided with orthoses, only to discover upon the follow-up that none of the aids were on the children’s legs anymore, Daniel Hueskes said to himself in the year 2003:

«No, never again! I want to involve local orthopaedists or orthopaedic doctors, and that the provision is carried out with materials from Vietnam. It is not sufficient to simply use highly technical material. Help for self-help needs to be promoted».

It is important to renew children’s orthoses and prostheses after one year because of children’s rapid growth. «When the person who made the prosthesis is already on site, then they can complete the prosthesis accordingly and make a new cast», says Daniel Hueskes.

Benjamin Hueskes adds: «That is of course the whole point: training the people in Vietnam in such a way so that they can do the fitting themselves, even when we aren’t there. This has already been done before. We just offer support and conduct training. We don’t take stuff from Switzerland. It doesn’t work that way that they request us to make casts and we bring them there. No, we do it together on-site. We support and advise them, but in principle they can do it themselves».

For the most part, the required orthoses and prostheses are produced in Vietnam. This is important because various factors, such as humidity, must be considered. Only in exceptional cases, the Basel-based orthopaedists bring something to Vietnam. Currently they are preparing for a fitting for a young woman. She has no shinbone and  the bones are shortened (verkürzte Knochen). Without a prosthesis she walks on her joint. During the Corona pandemic, she received prostheses, which, however, are very heavy, weighing 3.5 kg. For the first time, she managed to get a job and is happy to lead a self-determined life. Yet, she always has to wear these heavy prostheses at work. In this particular case, two prosthetic foot fittings (Prothesenfüsse-Passteile) will be brought from Switzerland. They are at least one and a half kilos lighter, which will make the young women’s life much easier.

«I wanted to know whether he wanted to live»

Over the course of their voluntary work, Daniel und Benjamin Hueskes have met many people with difficult fates. We asked whether there was a case among the people whom they have met so far in Vietnam, which they remember particularly vividly. “Yes,” Daniel Hueskes answered with deep emotion.

Dr. Daniel Hueskes

Already in the 1960s, when thalidomide-related deformities started to surge, Daniel Hueskes had developed and built pioneering orthopaedic aids for children with deformed or missing limbs.

The use of the sleeping pill and tranquilliser, thalidomide, led to a surge of severe deformities and missing limbs and organs in newborns.

At Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH), we believe that our commitment to people and our commitment to the environment must go hand in hand. Improving the energy supply in a sustainable way means that we are not only supporting those in need but also contributing to environmental and climate protection whilst also promoting new technologies. For example, in Vietnam we support day care centres for people with disabilities that are entirely funded by donations. The installation of solar power significantly reduces electricity costs, allowing the savings to be reinvested directly in care and support.

Severely Disrupted Power Supply in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has severely compromised the power supply in many areas. Damage to critical infrastructure has led to frequent power cuts, affecting not only private households but also schools, nurseries, hospitals, and shelters, often leaving them in dire situations. This is where we step in, providing solar energy kits that enable their electricity supply to be independent. GCCH has already delivered 22 solar kits to support the population in Chernihiv, Kherson, and Kharkiv whilst also gaining valuable insights for the large-scale distribution of additional kits.

Rigorous Testing for Sustainable Solutions

A crucial step was the thorough testing of cost-effective solar kits. GCCH benefited from the expertise of EKZ (“Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich”), which conducted assessments of their functionality under real-life conditions. Key aspects were carefully evaluated, such as constructing an effective windbreak and selecting components suitable for installation in Ukraine. EKZ also simulated various usage scenarios, including charging mobile phones, boiling water, and running a refrigerator. Finally, the battery storage capacity was rigorously tested. In addition to these assessments, EKZ produced a clear and accessible installation and user manual to ensure the solar kits can be set up correctly with minimal difficulty.

Looking Ahead: Rapid Expansion on Success

If the pilot phase proves successful, GCCH will move quickly to deliver more solar kits across Ukraine on a much larger scale. To achieve this, we are seeking partnerships with additional sponsors to extend support to even more people and institutions struggling with electricity shortages. The selection of solar panels, kits, and components will be tailored to specific needs, particularly those of larger institutions. Our goal is to provide a reliable electricity supply whilst also advancing sustainable technology. Furthermore, these kits are not solely reliant on solar energy, as their storage units can also be charged via the mains.

While tens of millions of people are suffering as a result of the war in Ukraine, countless animals are also facing immense hardship. Many animal shelters were already in precarious situations before the Russian invasion, and the war has only worsened their plight. The number of abandoned, stray, and neglected animals has risen sharply. Acts of cruelty against animals are increasing, and there is a significant lack of adequate animal shelters. One of the purposes of Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) is to help fulfil humanity’s responsibility towards the environment. Animals are an integral part of the environment, and it is our responsibility as humans not to stand by while they die and suffer. Instead, we must work together to support them.

This is why GCCH has been supporting existing animal shelters in Ukraine with food, medicine, and other essential supplies since the beginning of the war. Now, we are taking a step further by preparing to build a new shelter in Sosnytsya, Chernihiv. The decision to establish a refuge for animals in need in this area stems from the acute shortage of animal shelters in the region, compounded by the absence of a suitable existing building that could be repurposed. Furthermore, this relatively impoverished region, severely affected by both the war and the lingering impact of the Chernobyl disaster, has long been a focus of GCCH’s efforts.

At the end of last year, local councillors allocated a plot of land for the shelter. If the planning and approval processes for the building proceed smoothly, construction is expected to begin in the spring. Environmentally friendly materials will be used, and a solar power system is also planned. The municipality is supporting GCCH administratively and has agreed to charge only a reduced rent for the property. However, due to its precarious financial situation, it cannot provide the land free of charge.

The shelter is being designed to accommodate at least 80 animals, primarily dogs and cats, at any given time. Each year, it is expected to provide medical care for around 300–400 animals and find new homes for approximately 200.

As part of GCCH’s psychological support programme, the shelter will also offer direct assistance to children, young people, and adults affected by the war, while fulfilling an educational mission. Each year, hundreds of children and families are expected to participate in the shelter’s educational programmes. Participants will be selected from local schools, community centres, and orphanages, with preference given to children with special needs or those in particularly difficult circumstances. The aim of these programmes is to promote empathy, responsible pet ownership, and a deeper understanding of animal welfare.

In addition, the shelter will offer animal-assisted therapies to 100–150 people annually. These individuals, traumatised by the horrors of war, will be referred to us by institutions such as hospitals, psychiatric clinics, or veterans’ organisations.

The project is planned to run for 24 months. During the second year, an evaluation will be conducted to determine the next steps. In keeping with the foundation’s principle of helping people to help themselves, GCCH aims to ensure that the animal shelter can eventually operate independently. The local population and authorities will be involved as much as possible throughout the process.

Thanks to your invaluable support, dear donors, Green Cross Switzerland has been able to support the victims of the chemical weapon Agent Orange in Vietnam for a quarter of a century. These individuals require long-term, specialised medical care. That’s why we focus on strengthening local structures: the continued training of medical professionals, the equipping of orthopaedic workshops, and the support of day care centres have brought about lasting improvements in many places.

In addition to medical assistance, we are expanding social and psychological support to counter the exclusion of those affected—not only from society but also, in some cases, by their own families. A central element of the program is peer support: people with disabilities (PWDs) who have successfully integrated into social life help others by sharing their experiences.

PWDs receive individual care aimed at developing their abilities in daily life and enhancing their social integration. Standardised assessment tools are used to measure progress and develop personalised plans. PWDs are trained as peer counselors (Train-the-Trainer, TOT). They then conduct home visits and regularly provide advice to other PWDs and their families.

A key focus is also placed on accessible housing, where living spaces are adapted to the needs of PWDs, e.g. by installing wide doors, handrails, and accessible thresholds.

Additionally, PWDs and their families also receive psychological support. Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety disorders, and depression are addressed. The WHO model for community-based psychological care is applied in this context. Local health workers undergo training to recognise mental health disorders, teach stress and anxiety management techniques, and refer those in need to specialists if necessary.

Peer support groups also meet quarterly to share experiences, such as the stress management techniques they have learned.

It is only thanks to your regular donations that we can now provide support to the victims of Agent Orange in these equally important areas. This fills us—and especially those who receive this tangible help—with immense joy and gratitude!

This autumn, Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) has launched a partnership with the Swiss association, Ukraine Hilfe. This organisation began its work in Ukraine shortly after the outbreak of the war and has since built around 120 housing modules as emergency shelters for people who have lost their homes due to the conflict. Through these efforts, Ukraine Hilfe is making an essential contribution to helping Ukrainians stay in their country, or even in their home regions, giving them renewed hope. Whenever possible, the housing modules are built on the site of the destroyed or uninhabitable homes — a significant psychological factor for the residents. When the war situation allows, this approach enables people to remain in their familiar surroundings.

Residents are selected by local authorities, and the housing modules remain under the ownership of the municipality where they are located. This ensures that the modules serve their primary purpose and are occupied only by those who really need the accommodation. Additionally, these modules offer advantages over traditional houses: they are not classified as permanent residences, so no building permit is required, and they can be relocated if necessary — a vital factor in times of war. Thanks to effective insulation, the modules remain habitable during Ukraine’s often harsh winters, even in the event of power outages. Moreover, manufacturing these modules in Vinnytsia is cost-effective and supports the local economy in the war-stricken nation.

This autumn, GCCH is joining the project by sponsoring two larger, fully equipped housing modules. Through our Ukrainian partner organisation, we will remain in close contact with the families who will live in them. The anticipated location will be in Chernihiv, a region in the area impacted by the Chernobyl disaster. The area around Chernobyl has been a focal point of GCCH’s mission since our foundation.

The cooperation with Ukraine Hilfe also includes the planting of many thousands of trees — a commitment that GCCH hopes to continue in the coming years. Since a significant portion of the housing modules are made of wood and sustainability is central to our foundation’s values, we are also committed to promoting reforestation. Planting trees that will grow into forests over time brings many benefits. Forests play an essential role for the ecosystem, which has been severely damaged by the war. Moreover, in comparison with other countries, a (much too) small proportion of the national territory of Ukraine is forested. In addition, each tree planted contributes to protecting the global climate and, consequently, to the future of humanity.

For more information about Ukraine Hilfe’s commitment, please visit their website.

Since its inception, empowering people to help themselves has been at the heart of Green Cross Switzerland’s mission. Education plays a crucial role in this process, as it equips individuals with the tools to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. Unlike other forms of humanitarian or development aid, education has a long-lasting impact and aligns with Green Cross’s core commitment to sustainability.

In particular, education and training are vital components of our SOCMED programme in Vietnam (Social and Medical Care and Education). In remote rural areas, medical infrastructure is often severely lacking. As a result, disabilities in children frequently go unrecognized for too long, leading to serious and heartbreaking consequences throughout their lives. On the bright side, early intervention can significantly improve their living conditions and quality of life—benefiting not only the children but also their families and, ultimately, society as a whole. This is where we step in, offering Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) through the training of local health workers.

This summer, several training sessions were conducted in Yen Son district, Tuyen Quang. Two classes were held for community and district health workers, with 58 participants, led by three rehabilitation specialists from Huong Sen Hospital. Additionally, ten classes were organized for municipal employees, with a total of 335 participants.

The goal of these sessions is to teach and reinforce basic knowledge on the early detection and intervention for children with mental and physical disabilities within the community. It also focuses on mastering the necessary administrative and organizational processes.

A wide range of child development topics is covered, from birth to age 16. This includes early recognition and intervention for conditions such as cerebral palsy (including muscle stiffness and movement disorders), scoliosis (malformations), intellectual disabilities, speech disorders, autism, and clubfeet, as well as common secondary complications (pressure sores, joint stiffness, muscle contractures, and deformities).

The training also aims to raise broader community awareness about the needs of people with disabilities, as early detection is critical to providing effective support. In this context, another goal is to ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in social activities. Sadly, many are still excluded from social life, and sometimes even family life.

In 2023, humanitarian aid in Ukraine remained a key focus for Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH). Our efforts centred on ensuring the safety of drinking water in war-affected areas, as the conflict has caused contamination that poses serious, sometimes life-threatening risk, particularly for children and the elderly. Once again, we are committed to providing effective humanitarian aid in rapidly changing conditions.

The region surrounding Chernobyl has been a priority for GCCH since its inception. Even before the war, the situation there was already precarious. While the contaminated areas in Ukraine are relatively distant from the front lines, they remain vulnerable to missile strikes and other acts of war. As a result, we have shifted our focus in the region from development aid to humanitarian aid.

In Vietnam, we successfully continued and expanded our project work. Decades after the Vietnam War, the effects of Agent Orange still result in hereditary genetic disorders and severe deformities, while support for the victims remains inadequate. GCCH continues to play a vital role in providing ongoing assistance, particularly in orthopaedic care. It is absolutely crucial that artificial limbs and orthopaedic supports are adjusted regularly, especially in the case of children to accommodate their growth.

In 2024, we are prioritizing the expansion of psychological support services. In Ukraine, the psychological toll of the war is becoming increasingly severe, particularly for children and young people. Through our therapy programme, we are bringing light into this darkness. In Vietnam, where people with disabilities are frequently excluded from society and even from family life, we are also working to broaden psychological and social support for those affected by Agent Orange.

The GCCH team would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our aid projects this year, helping us provide meaningful support to countless individuals.

You can read the full Annual Report here.

Sadly, after almost two and a half years, there is still no end in sight to the war in Ukraine. Innocent victims of the war atrocities are still dependent on our solidarity and support. The horror of war seems to stop at nothing. This summer, for example, Kiev’s largest children’s hospital was badly damaged by a missile.

These past few months too, we have made a contribution to alleviating the hardship caused by the war by providing material support. This has included food, medicines, hygiene products and the equipping of shelters, to name just a few examples. A major project last year and the year before was the provision of systems for purifying contaminated drinking water.

In addition, there is a more urgent need than ever to increase psychological support, as the existing services are far from adequate. In Switzerland, we are often insufficiently aware of the psychological injuries that war inflicts on people. This is particularly true for children and young people. That is why we are currently – after successful pilot trials at the beginning of the year – setting up a permanent psychological support programme.

Several therapy sessions with children and young people in Kherson and Chernihiv have been taking place every week for several months now. Art therapy is a central element of the programme. The sessions usually take place in groups, but individual sessions – for example for children who have lost a parent – are also part of the programme. The focus is on helping children and young people to process their traumas and develop positive coping mechanisms. However, it is also about increasing awareness in the community for the needs of traumatised children and young people and addressing the stigmatisation of mental illness in Ukrainian society.

It is only thanks to your valuable support, dear donors, that these children and young people have been able to receive this urgently needed psychological support. With your continued backing, we can expand the psychological support programme even further and offer it on a long-term basis. You will be putting a smile back on faces scarred by the horrors of war.