These images were taken in various leprosy rehabilitation villages in China in 2006. Although the villagers were cured of the disease over 30 years ago, they were not accepted back into their home villages or by their families. As a result they have lived in these villages, often in remote areas, as their own family. I found them to be full of life and hard working. They did not wish to be pitied but rather accepted as they are.
I have lived in Bangkok, Thailand since 1990, working for various organizations including, Getty Images, Gamma Liaison, Habitat for Humanity, World Vision, The United Nations, CARE and save the Children. I focus in poverty, humanitarian issues, and disaster response.
