On June 10, USAID’s Moving Without Limits project supported general and special health examinations for 42 persons with disabilities at the Tam Ky Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims Support Center (AOVSC). The examinations were carried out through a partnership between USAID, the project’s implementing partner International Center, Quang Nam Provincial Association for Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims, Tam Ky City District Health Center, and Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population.

This special health examination was enhanced by a multidisciplinary team of experts in pediatrics, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and speech therapy from Danang University of Medical Technology, Quang Nam Regional General Hospital, and Quang Nam Traditional Medicine Hospital. Results of the examination indicated that a majority of the patients were diagnosed with speech and cognitive disorders, two people with mobility disabilities were provided with assistive devices, and two others were advised to modify their living environments to ensure their safety. In addition, experts also advised AOVSC staff members and caregivers about caring for people with disabilities, including providing free capacity-building online courses.

So What? By helping AOVSC understand the health care needs of their clients, USAID is not only improving the quality of life of current patients living at the center but also future patients.