The Toxic Legacy of the Vietnam War

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:

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

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