In April 2019, USAID and Vietnam’s National Committee on the Settlement of Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Committee 701) established a new partnership on disability support. Demonstrating a key concept in USAID/Vietnam’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy presentation, as a first step in this partnership, on May 28-31, USAID supported Committee 701 to conduct study visits to three priority provinces sprayed with Agent Orange to collect information that will help to develop the future program. It was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Health; Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs; Planning and Investment; and National Defense. Through the visit, participants were able to understand the needs of people with severe disabilities in priority provinces, the status of health care and social service provision, and potential future interventions. The participants also learned about best practices in USAID disability assistance activities. Information derived from the visit will help in program planning, which will be the next step.

So What? A shared vision between USAID and Committee 701 created a strong foundation for the two partners to develop a new, effective disability support program that meets the needs of people with disabilities in priority provinces.