Day: August 9, 2021

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Philips introduces new HealthSuite solutions to drive healthcare’s digital transformation

August 9, 2021

  • New Philips HealthSuite solutions break down data silos to activate secure, connected care and scalable, cost-effective innovation across the care continuum
  • Cloud-based solutions for orchestrated patient logistics and enterprise telehealth for acute care help to deliver on quadruple aim

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the introduction of two new Philips HealthSuite solutions that are secure, cloud-based and intended to break down barriers across patient care in a scalable, cost-effective model. During HIMSS21, Philips will showcase and introduce Philips Patient Flow Capacity Suite and Philips Acute Care Telehealth, key HealthSuite solutions that allow health systems to integrate informatics applications that can be combined and scaled up or down according to emerging needs. Philips HealthSuite solutions help health systems deliver on the quadruple aim through a connected, protected, future-ready and cost-predictive single cloud infrastructure and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.

Driving connected, future-ready care
As care settings expand beyond the hospital, health systems are seeking new ways to manage the influx of data while addressing challenges with IT resources and budgets. The adoption of platform-based IT models is on the rise, with more than 30% of global economic activity expected to be mediated by digital platforms in six years, yet experts estimate only 3% of companies have adopted an effective platform strategy [1]. Philips HealthSuite
securely stores critical healthcare data and provides both advanced analytics and AI capabilities, while delivering industry-leading interoperability to help enable precision care and provide care anywhere. With these new HealthSuite solutions, health systems can liberate data from silos and connect it in a way that enables care teams to turn data into actionable insights and collaborate to better serve patients.

“Health systems today must continue to evolve to meet the needs of patients and providers, ensuring care is connected across settings and that care can be delivered anywhere – all of which requires agile and secure platforms that will allow them to innovate and scale as demands shift,” said Roy Jakobs, Chief Business Leader, Connected Care, Philips. “Our cloud-based HealthSuite solutions are a milestone in how they support the acceleration of digital transformation in health systems to deliver better, patient-centric care, while reducing costs and resources.”

New HealthSuite solutions
The two new HealthSuite solutions introduced during HIMSS21 are:

  • Patient Flow Capacity Suite: A patient logistics solution that helps manage the patient journey across the entire care continuum. By taking a holistic approach to care coordination and combining clinical and operational data, the solution helps to provide the visualization and machine learning supported analytics that can enable more informed patient flow decisions. Care is orchestrated in a structured manner across the entire healthcare network, including affiliate networks as well as post-acute settings. Patient Flow Capacity Suite connects the front lines with hospital enterprise operations to systematically predict demand, make patient transition decisions, and spot patient flow bottlenecks.
  • Acute Care Telehealth: Building on Philips’ decades-long expertise in Tele-ICU solutions, Acute Care Telehealth provides a configurable and flexible solution to help health systems realize their virtual care and wider enterprise telehealth ambitions. The solution’s scalability allows health systems to deploy Acute Care Telehealth in a centralized command center, or a decentralized model of telehealth dependent on their needs. By allowing customers to add additional hospitals, clinical units or beds, Acute Care Telehealth grows as each organization’s telehealth strategy evolves.

Additional clinical and operational solutions will be added to Philips HealthSuite. Next, updates are planned for Philips Electronic Medical Record and Philips Acute Care and Anesthesia Workspace.

A modular approach for tailored, flexible solutions
A modular approach offers flexible solutions and services to solve specific customer needs, making solutions easy to implement, install, maintain, and use. All solutions benefit from the same SaaS model, which can help to lower initial deployment costs and relieve ongoing IT resource strains. Additionally, the new HealthSuite solutions are:

  • Connected: allowing for easy access to data across care pathways with purpose-built ecosystem services, such as integration with third-party partners.
  • Protected: secure by design, meeting privacy and security requirements and ensuring systems are always up to date with continuous vigilance.
  • Future-Ready: enabling faster adoption of innovation, allowing health systems to scale solutions within the enterprise and to add solutions according to need.
  • Predictable: the adoption of new innovations requires less initial investment and creates a transparent total cost of ownership. Philips is responsible for all updates and upgrades, allowing IT to focus on new strategic initiatives rather than maintaining the life cycle of software products.

Supporting health systems in their digital transition
Philips’ informatics solutions are an integral part of Philips Care Collaboration [2], a collaborative approach to supporting a healthcare organization’s digital transformation. As health systems seek to manage, coordinate, orchestrate and synchronize care across the health continuum, each organization’s digital journey will be unique. Through Care Collaboration, Philips acts as a partner to healthcare organizations to gain a deep understanding of their challenges and determine how Philips’ advanced HealthSuite solutions can help them support data and workflows to deliver enhanced care to the right patient, in the right setting, at the right time.

Philips at HIMSS21
For more information on Philips’ full portfolio of informatics solutions being showcased during the HIMSS21 Global Health Conference & Exhibition, please visit www.philips.com/himss and follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for #HIMSS21 updates throughout the event.

[1] Schenker, J. (2019, January 28). The Platform Economy. Retrieved November, 2020, from https://innovator.news/the-platform-economy-3c09439b56a.
[2] Philips Care Collaboration is currently available in North America only.

For further information, please contact:

Anna Hogrebe
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +1 416 270 67 57
E-mail: anna.hogrebe@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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Philips showcases integrated health informatics solutions across the care continuum during HIMSS21

August 9, 2021

  • With intelligent, secure, interoperable and collaborative solutions, Philips aims to illuminate a new path through the care continuum to address the quadruple aim
  • New HealthSuite solutions for acute patient management, diagnostic informatics and virtual care support health systems in their digital transformation

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, will showcase its latest intelligent, secure, interoperable and collaborative informatics solutions virtually during the HIMSS21 Global Health Conference & Exhibition, taking place from August 9-13 in Las Vegas, NV. Philips will showcase its deep clinical and operational expertise and introduce Philips HealthSuite solutions that foster care collaboration, help enable precision care and provide care anywhere.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many healthcare leaders to focus on immediate needs and preparing for future crises, findings from the recently published 2021 Future Health Index reveal that leaders working on healthcare informatics have a positive outlook on building a resilient future, with telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI) high on their investment list. While accelerated acceptance and usage of telehealth has laid the foundations for digitalization, healthcare leaders are beginning to also focus on predictive healthcare technologies such as AI, with 84% saying they want to invest in this technology within the next three years.

“Over the past year and a half, health systems have been challenged to innovate and adapt how they deliver care and focus resources to meet patient needs. Continuing to embrace this digital transformation will help health systems thrive, while ensuring patients remain at the center of care,” said Roy Jakobs, Chief Business Leader Connected Care, Philips. “During HIMSS21, we are spotlighting our commitment to helping healthcare organizations embark on this new era of connected care and showcasing our integrated informatics solutions that help customers drive improvements in quality and efficiency of care across the continuum.”

Spotlighting Philips’ solutions that illuminate a new path through the care continuum
During HIMSS21, Philips will focus on the following 2021 key informatics themes: Care Collaboration, Virtual Care, Precision and Acute Care, Business Models, and Digital Transformation. Philips HealthSuite solutions available across these areas enable precise, collaborative, interoperable and virtual care to address the quadruple aim of better health outcomes, improved patient and staff experience, while lowering the cost of care.

At the center of any digital transformation work is Philips Care Collaboration [1], which is a collaborative approach to support a healthcare organization’s digital transformation. As health systems seek to manage, coordinate, orchestrate and synchronize care across the health continuum, each organization’s digital journey will be unique. Through Care Collaboration, Philips acts as a partner to healthcare organizations to gain a deep understanding of their challenges and determine how Philips’ advanced HealthSuite solutions can help them support data and workflows to deliver enhanced care to the right patient, in the right setting, at the right time. Philips solutions included within this approach are acute patient management, diagnostic informatics and virtual care. During the conference, Philips will introduce these new cloud-based HealthSuite solutions for patient journey management and acute care telehealth.

Philips’ virtual presence
Throughout the week, Philips will be featuring presentations and talks from Philips executives, customers and industry leaders discussing the latest topics in health informatics and health IT including digital transformation, virtual care, and more. A complete list of presenters, topics, dates, and times is available here.

Philips will offer a virtual HIMSS presence, the Philips Health Informatics Experience, allowing visitors to participate in on-demand sessions. Attendees can explore the 3D environment and view in-depth solution demos of the latest innovations from Philips. The experience will remain open to visitors until spring 2022.

For more information on Philips’ full portfolio of informatics solutions being showcased during the HIMSS21 Global Health Conference & Exhibition, please visit www.philips.com/himss and follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for #HIMSS21 updates throughout the event.

[1] Philips Care Collaboration is currently available in North America only.

For further information, please contact:

Anna Hogrebe
Philips Global Press Office
Tel: +1 416 270 67 57
E-mail: anna.hogrebe@philips.com


About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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AC Milan and ROInvesting Announce Partnership Extension

The Europe-based online trading broker will continue its collaboration with the Italian club on and off the pitch

Sponsorship Image AC Milan

OFFICIAL CFD PARTNER EUROPE

MILAN, Italy, Aug. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AC Milan and ROInvesting are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership. The Rossoneri welcomed online trading broker ROInvesting to its family of commercial partners in April 2020, and the two brands will now continue their journey together for the third consecutive football season.

The partnership renewal comes after a successful year for both brands, which saw AC Milan qualifying for the UEFA Champions League with its male and female team and ROInvesting’s client base fast rising. The joint efforts also included off-the-pitch community work on initiatives such as the Fondazione Milan’s support for frontline Covid-19 personnel.

Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer at AC Milan said, “As a Club, we are delighted to continue our journey with ROInvesting. They have proved to be a fantastic partner with a keen eye for off-the-pitch community work, supporting Fondazione Milan’s initiatives in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in time of need.”

“We are very excited to announce the renewal of our partnership with AC Milan. Our goal from day one was to create a strong, long-lasting relationship between the two sides and we are delighted to see it take shape,” said Constandinos Zavros, ROInvesting Spokesperson.

ROInvesting has been enabling individuals in Italy and around Europe to explore their trading passion on a technological platform that brings the global financial arenas to their fingertips. A regulated broker with desktop and mobile interfaces, ROInvesting offers unmatched trading tools, educational materials and data security, while continuously expanding their offering to match the pace of the financial world, which seems to go faster than ever.

For more information, visit: www.roinvesting.com

ROInvesting is the brand name of Royal Forex, a Cyprus Investment Firm, regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC).

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc8e17a1-30b1-4ace-991c-13c338535b54

Benedikt van Lengerich
PHONE NUMBER: +357 95 128446
Email: ben.vl@thestarmedia.com
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Vista delivers strong first half 2021 performance

Vista global demand

Vista aircraft — Global 7500

VISTA DELIVERS STRONG FIRST HALF 2021 PERFORMANCE WITH HUGE GLOBAL DEMAND FOR ITS MEMBERSHIPS AND FLIGHTS AS WORLD REOPENS

Record sales across Vista’s core subscription offerings as surge in demand for new memberships and flight hours drives exceptional business performance

  • Record sales growth in 2021 across all markets as strong rebound in activity registered during H2 2020 continues;
  • 67% increase in global flight hours across Vista brands as demand surges;
  • Integration into Vista of recent acquisitions Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jets and Talon Air exceeding management expectations and accelerating growth;
  • Game-changing moment with already four Global 7500 aircraft fully operational offering the most premium flying and continuing commitment to invest in the expansion of global fleet;
  • Client service remains priority across the Group — fleet refurbishments on track through 2021;
  • Strong momentum has continued through the second half with July being another record month for the Group.

Dubai, August 9, 2021: Vista Global Holding (Vista), the world’s leading private aviation group, provides a market update and overview into its exceptional performance for the first half of 2021, which includes its VistaJet and XO brands.

2021 has begun with a record start, with sales of the Group’s subscription products at all-time highs during the first half of the year. VistaJet sold over 8,000 new annual subscription hours, an increase of 67% on 2020 figures and a 41% rise over 2019 levels. XO Deposit Members were up 82%, with three times as many sales in the period compared with 2020.

The Group’s On Demand services also performed strongly during the period, with a year-on-year growth of 67% across all markets, and 55% up on 2019.

Vista is the world’s largest On Demand charter provider by hours flown, and the Group has seen an increase year-on-year of 67% in global flight hours across its operating companies. This trend accelerated in the second quarter of 2021 as Vista registered a surge in demand over and above pre-pandemic flying.

Regionally, the Middle East saw an increase of 153% in flight hours, with North America and Europe registering 76% and 41% respectively. As the market remained open for domestic flying, business travel rebounding and international flying resuming in June, North America continues to account for the majority of total Group departures at 71%.

Thomas Flohr

Vista Founder & Chairman

Thomas Flohr, Vista’s Founder and Chairman said: “It has been an exceptional start to 2021 for Vista and we are making groundbreaking progress in all corners of the world in enhancing our position as the global pioneer within the business aviation industry. Vista has seen a record first half of the year across all metrics and is seeing huge demand for our subscription and On Demand based offerings. The surge in demand demonstrates how private aviation is the critical mobility solution, as sudden local restrictions continue to cause uncertainty for commercial fliers.”

Vista continued to focus on the growth and expansion of the business. The Group has made significant and accelerated progress with the integration of Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jets and Talon Air into its portfolio. This resulted in the further expansion of the Group’s footprint in North America, additionally enabling to serve Vista clients with aircraft in the light jet category and management services.

The Group has also accelerated the growth of its global fleet, with already four Global 7500s now available globally for service under the VistaJet brand. This is a game-changing moment as Vista offers the largest, most technologically advanced and longest-range business jet ever for its Members. In addition, XO added 15 new aircraft in the first half of 2021.

Through 2021, the Group is upgrading its interiors across both VistaJet and XO aircraft to further enhance client experience on board. These developments include the installation of greater in-flight connectivity and technology. Vista now offers its fast-growing membership base the opportunity to access its worldwide flying solutions first-hand through its owned global fleet of over 180 aircraft plus a network of over 2,100 alliance jets.

Thomas Flohr continued: “The flexibility of the Group’s fleet and its global footprint has allowed Vista to take full advantage of the strong resurgence in global demand from new and existing Members worldwide. Our trusted brands, coupled with the acceleration of our proprietary technology provides us with a significant advantage in the industry, creating superior client value and elevated end-to-end experience.

The incredible dedication and commitment from our teams across the world has allowed us to capture and transform every single opportunity available to us. Our momentum is strong and we are extremely confident about the future as we continue our global expansion in the second half of 2021 and beyond.”

– Ends –

Note to Editors
Statements in this release are based solely upon information available as of the date of this release, are not a comprehensive statement of the Group’s financial results or positions as of or for the H1-2021, and have not been audited, reviewed, or compiled by an independent registered accounting firm. Thus, the financial information in this release is preliminary, unaudited and subject to revision upon completion of the Group’s closing and audit processes. The Group assumes no obligation to update any information contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.

About Vista
Vista Global Holding’s (Vista) subsidiaries provide worldwide business flight services. A global group headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai, Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-free services to cover all key aspects of business aviation, with guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage, and cutting-edge aviation technology. The Group’s mission is to lead the change to provide clients with the most advanced flying services at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world. Vista’s knowledge and understanding of all facets of the industry deliver the best end-to-end offering and technology to all business aviation clients, through its VistaJet and XO branded services and duly licensed carriers. Vista is not a direct air carrier and does not operate or charter flights.
More Vista information and news at www.vistaglobal.com

Contacts
press@vistaglobal.com

Vista Global Holding Limited (“Vista”) does not own or operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by FAA-licensed/DOT-registered EASA or U.S. certified Vista group direct air carriers and/or partner operators. Vista holds non-controlling minority stakes in XOJET Aviation, GMJ Air Shuttle, Red Wing Aviation and Talon Air.

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President meets with PM, visits former Party, State leaders of Laos

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 9 met with Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh; and visited and held separated meetings with former Party and State leaders of Laos.

They include Khamtai Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos; and former Party General Secretaries and former Presidents Choummaly Sayasone, and Bounnhang Vorachith.

On the same day, President Phuc received Sinlavong Khutphaythoun, President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee, and Khambay Damlath, President of the Laos – Vietnam Friendship Association Central Committee.

At these meetings, the current and former leaders of Laos stressed that President Phuc’s selection of Laos for his first overseas visit in his new position showed that the Vietnamese Party and State, and the President himself have attached special importance to preserving, protecting and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

President Phuc and the current and former leaders of Laos highly evaluated each other country’s measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in the past time. They expressed their delight at prompt mutual support between the two nations amid the pandemic.

Agreeing on orientations for collaboration in the time to come, they highlighted the need to well coordinate with each other in the implementation of high-level agreements, the Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation for 2021-2025, and the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Strategy for 2021-2030.

They agreed to support the Vietnamese and Lao Governments in speeding up the implementation of important joint projects such as Vung Ang ports, Hanoi-Vientiane expressway, Vientiane-Vung Ang railway, Laos-Vietnam friendship park in Vientiane, Nongkhang airport, and hospitals in Laos’s Houaphan and Xiangkhouang provinces.

They agreed to strengthen Vietnam – Laos collaboration at multilateral forums, particularly at the UN, ASEAN, and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, to contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and in the world.

In the evening of August 9, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse hosted a banquet in honour of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, his wife and the Vietnamese delegation.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

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HM City to cover funeral expenses for deceased COVID patients

Ho Chi Minh City authorities said the city would cover expenses for funeral services for deceased COVID patients in “the safest and most solemn manner”.

Nguyen Toan Thang, Director of the city Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said each family would receive 17 million VND (740 USD) to cover transportation, cremation and delivery of the ashes to them.

For COVID patients who die at hospital, the city Department of Health will transfer funds to the hospitals to pay for funeral services.

For COVID-19 patients who die at home, their families will need to present a death certificate to their ward or commune or township authorities to receive financial support.

The city has also set a standard price for funeral service fees for those who do not die of COVID.

According to Thang, people should contact the HCM City Urban Environment Company for recommendations to find a reasonably priced service provider.

The price is 4.2 million VND at burial facilities managed by the HCM City Urban Environment Company compared to 4.5-5 million VND at other companies, he said.

Cremation of people who died of COVID-19 must be done according to a six-step process prescribed by the Ministry of Health to ensure safety.

When a COVID patient dies, whether at home or at hospital, the body must be disinfected and transported directly to the cremation place by specialised vehicles for cremation within 24 hours from the time of death.

For a death occurring at a medical examination and treatment facility, the burial process must follow a special process for dangerous diseases, and the burial must be done as soon as possible at the hospital funeral house, with a limited number of people participating in the funeral process.

The city has assigned the HCM City High Command to receive and return the ashes of deceased COVID-19 patients to their families.

If family members cannot directly receive the ashes of the deceased, the city’s Religious Affairs Committee will transfer the ashes to be kept at temples or pagodas until the relatives come to receive them.

Cremation is being carried out at Binh Hung Hoa Cemetery in Binh Tan district, the city’s major and largest centre, as well as Da Phuoc Cemetery in Binh Chanh district, Phuc An Vien Cemetery in Thu Duc city, and Thap Long Tho Cemetery in Cu Chi district.

According to Thang, the city has asked cemeteries not to raise the price of the service or refuse any case.

HCM City, the country’s pandemic epicentre, has recorded more than 124,000 infections since late April. The city recorded over 2,500 fatalities as of August 9, out of the country’s 3,215 deaths./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

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PM: Maritime security issue needs global solution

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh raised proposals to effectively tackle challenges to maritime security while addressing the high-level open debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), held virtually on August 9.

He highlighted comprehensive and adequate awareness of the significance of seas as well as possible threats to maritime security, saying it is necessary to promote responsibility and political resolve, reinforce trust, build closer and more effective cooperation mechanisms to ensure a maritime environment of peace and stability, and exploit maritime resources sustainably.

Maritime security is a global issue, so it needs a global solution, he continued, suggesting setting up a network of mechanisms and initiatives on regional maritime security to be coordinated by the UN to increase the sharing of information and experience, and take joint actions to cope with common challenges in a timely manner.

Policies, laws and behaviours of countries should be in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), and activities that would complicate the situation and cause tensions should be averted, he said.

Vietnam has worked to actively contribute to maintaining an environment of peace and security, as well as the ecology and sustainable development in the region and the world as well, the PM emphasised.

He said Vietnam is resolved, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, to seriously, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiate to build a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

PM Chinh’s attendance at the debate was made at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi of India that is holding the UNSC’s rotating Presidency.

This is the first time maritime security has been discussed as an exclusive agenda item at the UNSC.

Participants expressed their concern over increasing threats to maritime security and safety, and shared their view on the need to strengthen international cooperation to cope with such challenges, observe international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, and promote regional and global initiatives to enhance maritime security.

The UNSC adopted a presidential statement calling for stronger regional and international cooperation to address challenges to maritime security and safety, acknowledging the significance of the UNCLOS, and calling on the UN and the international community to further support countries to improve their capabilities and share experience in handling threats to maritime security.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

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Ipact of catastrophic Agent Orange disaster still lingers

Sixty years have passed since the US army dropped tens of millions of extremely toxic chemicals on various areas across the south of Vietnam, but their devastating impact still lingers, destroying the environment and claiming the lives of many generations of Agent Orange (AO) victims.

About 4.8 million Vietnamese people have been exposed to AO, and more than 3 million others who are their second, third, and even fourth generations have still suffered from pains and losses even when the war ended nearly 50 years ago.

In 1961, then US President J. Kennedy authorised chemical warfare, aside from the “hot war”, in Vietnam.

To conceal their plan from the public, the US Department of Defence used the code name “Operation Ranch Hand” and spread a false belief among US troops and people that the chemicals used were just normal herbicides and defoliants aimed to uncover the enemy’s hiding places and minimise casualties for the US army and its alliance’s troops, and that they were not hazardous to animals and did not have considerable impact on human health.

However, it is a fact that the chemical warfare waged by the US in Vietnam was the largest and longest one causing the most destructive consequences in human history.

Impact of catastrophic Agent Orange disaster still lingers hinh anh 2

The family of Nguyen Huu Dong in Tien Chau commune of Tien Phuoc district, central Quang Nam province, has seven children suffering from after-effects of Agent Orange. They are one of the 200 families which have benefited from a cow farming project carried out by the US’ War Legacies Project with support from Vietnam’s Fund for Support to AO Victims since 2007 (Photo: VNA)

From 1961 to 1971, the US army conducted 19,905 missions, spraying about 80 million litres of toxic chemicals – 61 percent of which, containing 366kg of dioxin, was AO – on 3.06 million ha of land in southern Vietnam, equivalent to nearly 25 percent of the south’s total area. Up to 86 percent of the affected area was sprayed more than twice, and 11 percent more than 10 times.

This lead to severe environmental pollution as seen in the undermined water storage and flood mitigation functions of forests, the biodiversity loss, the extinction of some rare fauna and flora species, and the mushrooming of rodents and weeds.

Nowadays, the toxic chemicals dropped by the US military are still present in some southern areas and have become sources of pollution.

At the second international workshop on the toxic chemicals used by the US in the Vietnam war and their impact on the nature and human held in Hanoi in 1993, many Vietnamese and foreign scientists affirmed that those toxic chemicals destroyed the nature and human health and caused many acute diseases and genetic mutations passed from mothers or fathers.

In July 2009, a report by the US Institute of Medicine proved the links between the exposure to AO/dioxin and five diseases, namely soft tissue sarcoma, benign lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, cancer, and chloracne.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health also confirmed 17 diseases, disorders, deformities, and malformations connected with AO/dioxin.

Impact of catastrophic Agent Orange disaster still lingers hinh anh 3

A delegation of US parliamentarians led by Congressman Ted Yoho, head of the US House Foreign Affairs Sub-committee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation, visits the site of the project on environmental remediation of dioxin contamination at the vicinity of Da Nang airport on October 17, 2017 (Photo: VNA)

An estimated 3 million Vietnamese people have had their health affected due to the exposure to toxic chemicals/dioxin. Among them, at least 150,000 children suffer from inborn defects and at least 1 million people suffer from serious impacts of AO, according to the Vietnam Association for AO Victims and the Vietnam Red Cross Society.

Not only Vietnamese but a large number of soldiers of the US, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand who used to fight in Vietnam and their descendants have also got many diseases caused by the AO exposure and after-effects.

Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Commander of the US naval forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970, said at least 2,100 US soldiers were exposed to AO.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea’s association of war veterans exposed to AO estimated that about 100,000 of the 300,000 Korean soldiers fighting in Vietnam are victims of AO, more than 20,000 of them have died.

Scientists believed that the impact of AO may last for hundreds of years and affect tens of millions of people, and the number of generations suffering from after-effects will not be limited to four, making the AO disaster the worst chemical one in human history./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency