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The Meaning of the Burmese National Flag

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The Meaning of the Burmese National Flag

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States that the flag was adopted on October 21, 2010, in conjunction with the country’s transition to the name Republic of the Union of Myanmar from the Union of Myanmar. (Edarabia, n.d.)

The flag features horizontal yellow, green, and red stripes, with a five-pointed star overlapping the colours. According to Edarabia, each colour holds a symbolic meaning related to the country’s internal conflicts. Yellow symbolises national unity, which is also represented by the five-pointed star. Green signifies peace and tranquillity, while red stands for courage and determination.(Edarabia, n.d.)

Edarabia. (n.d.). Flag of Myanmar: Colors, Meaning, History. Edarabia. https://www.edarabia.com/myanmar/flag/#2

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In Burma, the most common religion practised is Buddhism, with about 90% of the population identifying as Buddhist. (Shanti Travel, n.d.)

The form of Buddhism practised in Burma is Theravada, which is the oldest and most conservative branch. This branch follows Buddhism without modifications or adaptations. Buddhists in Burma believe in reincarnation and karma. (Shanti Travel, n.d.)

Buddhists live according to the teachings known as the Four Noble Truths given by the Buddha. Buddha’s life is described as ascetic and disciplined. He attained enlightenment and great wisdom by learning that suffering is caused by negative actions and choices. (Shanti Travel, n.d.)

Shanti Travel. (n.d.). Religion in Myanmar. Shanti Travel. https://www.shantitravel.com/en/myanmar-travel-guide/religion-in-myanmar#:~:text=Buddhism,the%20Buddha's%20teachings%2C%20without%20modification

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In a personal photograph taken by me on April 19, 2023, I am wearing a traditional Burmese dress to celebrate Water Festival. (Personal Photograph 2023)

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Traditional dress reflects the country’s unique cultural and personal traits, including warm hospitality and vibrant culture. (Phoenix Voyages, n.d.)

The traditional dress features a longyi, an ankle-length wrap-around skirt worn by both genders. Colours differ by gender: men typically wear darker shades, while women opt for more colourful patterns. The longyi is paired with a traditional Burmese shirt called a taipoan for men and an eingyi for women, which comes in various collar styles. (Phoenix Voyages, n.d.)

Burmese people wear their traditional dress daily for comfort and because it suits the country’s humid weather. (Phoenix Voyages, n.d.)

Phoenix Voyages. (n.d.). Myanmar national costume: Traditional dress & clothes. Phoenix Voyages. https://www.phoenixvoyages.com/news/myanmar-national-costume-traditional-dress-clothes/

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I believe the most relevant competency standard is 1.4, emphasising the importance of considering family and community in decision-making about consent and treatment follow-up. As a future nurse, managing multiple people involved in decisions for a patient might feel overwhelming. If I were reluctant to accommodate a patient’s wish to involve their loved ones, it could make them feel unsafe and confused, impacting their health outcome negatively.(Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019)

I have learned that to provide the best care for refugee or migrant patients; I must respect their need to include family in decision-making. Reflecting on this standard has highlighted the impact of family and community involvement on consent and treatment follow-up. I will strive to be sensitive to cultural and community backgrounds to ensure effective care. (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019)

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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The WHO social determinants of social inclusion and non-discrimination significantly influence refugees' access to healthcare and overall health outcomes in Australia. (World Health Organization, n.d.)

One major challenge that refugees, such as those from Burma, face is the language barrier when navigating the Australian healthcare system. (Refugee Council of Australia, n.d.)

Language barriers can severely impact refugees' ability to communicate their health needs and understand medical information. Miscommunication can lead to inadequate care and treatment, potentially making refugees feel isolated and underserved. (Bridge Refugee Youth & Children’s Services, n.d.)

Addressing this issue by providing professional interpreters can enhance refugees' ability to effectively engage with the healthcare system. Interpreters help bridge communication gaps, empower refugees, and support their autonomy in managing their health. (Refugee Council of Australia, n.d.)

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Refugee Council of Australia. (n.d.). Disability and refugees: Understanding the challenges and solutions [Report]. Refugee Council of Australia. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/disability-report/13/

Bridge Refugee Youth & Children’s Services. (n.d.). Language and integration barriers: Perspectives from refugee youth. BRYCS. https://brycs.org/migration-resettlement-awareness/language-integration-barriers-perspectives-from-refugee-youth/

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Studies have found that the most common disease among Burmese refugees is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Research involving 156 Burmese refugees revealed that 80% were infected with this bacterium. (Chaves et al., 2009)

Due to the health budget in Burma and the health acute illness in hospitals can be overwhelming H.pylori is overlooked. (UNSW Kirby Institute, 2024)

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that affects the tissue in the stomach and duodenum. It can cause pain and inflammation and is a leading cause of ulcers. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)

It is typically treated with a combination of two antibiotics. The dual antibiotics help prevent the bacteria from developing resistance. Testing should be conducted within four weeks of completing treatment. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)

Mayo Clinic. (2023, June 1). H. pylori diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356177

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Helicobacter pylori. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/helicobacter-pylori#:~:text=H.%20pylori%20is%20a%20type,in%20your%20upper%20digestive%20tract.

UNSW Kirby Institute. (2024, March 18). Researchers identify simpler, cheaper prevention for stomach cancer. UNSW Kirby Institute. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from https://www.kirby.unsw.edu.au/news/march-researchers-identify-simpler-cheaper-prevention-stomach-cancer

Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O'Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B.-A. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15(11). https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

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In Burma, a range of traditional medicines are derived from plants. Today, we will focus on one such plant, known as the King of Bitters. Various parts of this plant offer different health benefits. (DeFilipps & Krupnick, 2018)

The entire plant helps control phlegm and gall bladder function, reduces fever, and stimulates appetite. It is particularly beneficial for children. (DeFilipps & Krupnick, 2018)

The liquid obtained from boiling the plant can aid in relieving headaches, indigestion, loose bowels, and shooting pains caused by gas. (DeFilipps & Krupnick, 2018)

Additionally, the leaves of the plant can lower fever, neutralise poisons, and be used in preparing other forms of traditional medicine. (DeFilipps & Krupnick, 2018)

DeFilipps, R. A., & Krupnick, G. A. (2018). The medicinal plants of Myanmar. PhytoKeys, 102, 1–341. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380