An Orphanage in Ho Chi Minh

In 2013, I have had a chance to visit an orphanage for the disabled children at the Bệnh viện Từ Dũ hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Most of the children there were abandoned by their parents due to birth defects, ranging from minor to severe. These defects are believed to be the result the effects of Agent Orange, a toxic defoliant used by the American military during Vietnam War, that has the capability to adversely affect the offspring of those exposed.

Children at the orphanage range from 3 to over 20 years old.
All were abandoned immediately after birth.
Most of their parents are suspected to have been affected by chemicals used during the war.
They are given medical care as needed, but not many will ever walk outside – or walk at all.
These children play and cry as their “normal” counterparts outside.
They rarely see visitors from outside, especially foreigners.
But some were a little scared to see a stranger.
Most were just curious.
But everywhere I looked, I saw children that will never see the sky.

Eugene Reshetov Photography

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