An exhibition of photographs that pays tribute to the local people who dedicated themselves in the battle against SARS opened in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The 20 photos on display capture the individuals and organizations engaged in frontline efforts and support campaigns undertaken at the height of the crisis.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC) Chairman David Eldon recognized the people who participated in the fight against SARS and acknowledged the community spirit spawned by the outbreak of SARS.
After SARS, he said, Hong Kong will not be the same again, "and I think this is a good thing."
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Yeoh Eng-kiong said the disease took a heavy toll, not only on the healthcare system but on everyone in the community.
"The impact on our personal and social lives was as distressing as it was devastating to our economy. Yet Hong Kong rose to the challenge, and everyone joined hands to fight SARS," he said.
Renowned photographer Leong Ka Tai, who took the photographs, said he wanted to create a factual documentary of the behind-the-scenes campaigns that were undertaken during the crisis.
"Most people had no idea of the extent of the collective efforts involved. We also wanted to show what went on inside the hospitals and what the patients and those at risk were facing," he said.
The exhibition, supported by the Hong Kong government and HSBC, will be shown from June 25 to July 10.
(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2003)
