| The following photographs were taken in 2009 and 2010 in the Chin, Karen and Shan states of Burma's borders with India and Thailand, and Yangon and Taunggyi in central Burma.They were taken with the cooperation of Medical Mercy Canada field volunteers, the Shan State Army, Shan Health Committee, All Burma Students Democratic Front, Burmese medics, various residents of Burma's "black zones" and the Mae La and Mae La Oo refugee camps.
These states are all inhabited primarily by ethnic minorities. They have been subject to decades of abusive rule under Burma's military government and increasing genocidal attacks. As part of the genocide and civil war, the Burmese government has withdrawn health care in these regions. In response, Burmese as young as 16-years-old are trained as field medics, often in Thailand or communities held by rebel forces. Many then return to Burma with backpacks full of medicine, offering the only health care available at great personal risk.
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