IGNIS’ Visit to Medipeace in Vietnam

IGNIS Community ushered in December 2023 with a visit to Medipeace’s medical work in the Guangji area in Vietnam. Within Gaungji lies Vinh Moc, which is located along the 17th parallel and marks the former battle line between the communists in the north and the anti-communists in the south in the Vietnam War. For over 20 years from 1955 to 1975, this area was subjected to intensive bombing and fighting.

Extensive underground tunnels in Vinh Moc were constructed to provide shelter and semi-permanent dwellings for the people of Son Trung and Son H villages. Villagers began construction of these tunnels in 1966 by hand-carving out passages in limestone. It was in these tunnels, which reached to depths of 30 meters, that as many as 60 families lives until 1972. These dwellings not only protected the villagers from constant bombing and fighting but also equipped the villagers for subterranean life including provision of wells, maternity rooms, kitchens, and family living areas. Thanks to these tunnels not a single villager was killed in all the years the tunnels were in use.

Tunnels used by villagers for shelter during the Vietnam War

However, the effects of the Vietnam War went beyond just years of underground living. Trauma from the war still lives on today. Large amounts of agent orange from the war led to Vietnamese children being born with disabilities. Agent orange was an herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971 to remove foliage and therefore enemy cover. It contained a dangerous chemical contaminant called dioxin. Dioxin is known to cause severe birth defects, abnormal fetal development, miscarriages, as well as 14 other diseases including cancer.

Vinh Moc, being centrally located in Vietnam, was more affected by agent orange than other regions in the country. Congenital disorders are common, and with a high local rate of poverty, this rural area previously lacked adequate medical facilities and care for children with disabilities. Consequently, Medipeace currently provides basic medical and social care systems for these children so that parents can focus on providing economically for their families.

Economic self-sufficiency is crucial for families raising children with congenital disabilities (CWD). Parents’ economic activities are best supported through the establishment of daycare centers that care for CWDs as parents work. As a result, Medipeace has established 17 daycare centers in central Vietnam throughout Quang Tri and Quang Nam provinces. These daycare centers not only care for CWDs but also provide rehabilitation therapy and education for the children.

Vietnamese child benefiting from Medipeace (Photo from Medipeace website)

Ignis Community visited these daycare centers with the hopes of eventually establishing similarly community-based rehabilitation centers in DPR Korea. Ignis’ visit lasted four days in Vietnam in some of the most war-torn and impoverished areas. However, the love and hearts of the Vietnamese to serve families was evident in all of the daycare centers Ignis visited. Medipeace has done a tremendous job in supporting children with developmental disabilities in Vietnam, but what made the greatest impact upon Ignis were the smiles and loving arms of the local staff and volunteers. If Ignis Community can share similar love to DPRK citizens and families with disabilities, children with developmental disabilities in North Korea will have hopes for a brighter future.