We are proud to announce that Prof. Phuong N.T. Nguyen, Honorary Chair of HOPE Research Center, was selected as one of the five Ramon Magsaysay Awardees 2024, November 16, 2024, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, Philippines. She is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to public health, particularly her advocacy for Agent Orange survivors and her lifelong dedication to researching the effects of the herbicide.
Prof. Phuong N.T. Nguyen’s groundbreaking research revealed that individuals living in areas sprayed with Agent Orange experienced congenital disabilities at a rate three times higher than in unaffected regions. As a member of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), she has tirelessly worked to hold chemical companies accountable and provide support to the victims.
The Vietnam War saw the spraying of over 20 million gallons of dioxin-laden chemicals, affecting an estimated 4.8 million people and resulting in severe health issues, including congenital disabilities and chronic illnesses. Prof. Nguyen, drawing on her own experiences as a doctor during the war, has become a passionate advocate for those suffering from the consequences of Agent Orange exposure.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award honoured Prof. Phuong N.T. Nguyen was a “beacon of hope” for her exceptional commitment to public service. In her statement, she expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition and underscored the importance of raising awareness about Agent Orange’s lasting health and environmental effects.
