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In Afghan culture, in many rural areas, where medical facilities are either absent or less accessible, people often rely on the long-standing healing methods. Mullahs play a key role by performing dam rituals, where they recite prayers while blowing the breath of healing. They are compensated for writing ta’wiz, healing prayers inscribed on paper, which can be dissolved in water for consumption or sewn into leather or cloth to be worn around the patient’s neck (Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan., 2002). There is also a prevalent tradition of using herbal and homeopathic medicines, commonly sold in bazaars and known as "Greek" remedies such as Unani medicine which involves treatments like herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and spiritual practices.

Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan. (2002, November). Expedition Magazine 44, no. 3. Retrieved from https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/women-culture-and-health-in-rural-afghanistan/#:~:text=Traditional%20Healing%20Practices&text=Mullahs%20perform%20dam%20rituals%2C%20blowing,worn%20around%20the%20patient's%20neck

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Image from COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS JANUARY 2019.

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For me, the most meaningful aspect of standard 1.2 was understanding that trauma is not always visible, yet it deeply affects how Afghan refugees engage with healthcare (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide,2018). I have developed my understanding of how past traumatic experiences, like war, can lead to anxiety in medical settings. I now see the importance of allowing patients to control their healthcare decisions. It will be useful in my workplace because it will encourage me to provide care with patience. I will now need to build my skills to communicate with the patients in a way that minimizes stress. Initially, I questioned whether being overly cautious might limit efficiency in care delivery, but I now realize that prioritizing emotional safety is essential for effective treatment.

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2018). Refugee Patients in Primary Care.

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Mantoo- Famous Afghani Food (Seddiq, 2022). 

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Mantoo is a traditional Afghan dish consisting of dumplings filled with spiced ground lamb and onions. It’s a popular and flavorful item in Afghan cuisine.

Recipe(Seddiq, 2022):

Ingredients for the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 teaspoons salt

1.25 cups water (adjust as needed)

Ingredients for the Filling:

1 lb ground lamb (or beef)

2 cups finely diced onions

1 spicy green chili

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp black pepper

Ingredients for the Sauce:

1 tbsp vegetable oil

¼ cup finely diced onion

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 tbsp white vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

Dough:

1.     Combine flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add water while mixing until the dough forms a stretchy consistency. Knead for about 6-7 minutes by hand or 4 minutes with a mixer.

2.     Let the dough rest while preparing the filling.

Filling:

1.     Mix ground lamb, diced onions, green chili, and spices until well combined.

Sauce:

1.     Heat oil in a pan. Sauté the onion until soft. Add tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices, simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.

Assembly of Dumplings:

1.     Divide the dough into four portions. Roll out one portion into a thin rectangle. Cut into squares.

2.     Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Pinch opposite corners together to form the dumplings.

3.     Grease a steamer basket and arrange the dumplings inside. Steam for 30-35 minutes.

Serving:

1. Serve the steamed Mantoo on a platter, topped with reheated tomato sauce and yogurt sauce and garnished with cilantro. (Seddiq, 2022).

Seddiq, M. (2022, 11 03). Mantu Recipe – Afghan Dumpling. Retrieved from Afghan cooks: https://afghancooks.com/mantu-recipe-afghan-dumpling/

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In Afghan culture, greetings are conducted with significant respect and adherence to social norms. Physical contact between genders is minimal; men should wait for women to extend their hand before initiating a handshake (Medicine, 2021). Alternatively, men may greet women by placing their hand over their heart and nodding, a gesture that can also be used with others unaccustomed to physical touch. Eye contact is often limited during greetings to maintain modesty, particularly between men and women. Common verbal greetings include "Salam" or "Salam alaikum," meaning "Peace be upon you," with the right hand placed over the heart as a sign of respect. Greetings often involve lengthy inquiries about health, business, or family before transitioning to other topics.

Medicine, I. S. (2021, September 09). Information about our Afghan community. Retrieved from https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/uncategorized/information-about-our-afghan-community#:~:text=Eye%20contact%20should%20be%20kept,and%20sincerity%20in%20the%20greeting

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The health and well-being of Afghan refugees in Australia are significantly influenced by social inclusion and protection from discrimination. The WHO Global Action Plan (GAP), adopted in 2019, emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues by promoting refugee-sensitive health policies and integrating refugee health into broader agendas (World Health Organisation, 2019). Refugees, often vulnerable to exploitation due to language barriers and limited work rights, may be underpaid by employers aware of their desperation for income. This exploitation can lead to severe mental health challenges. Enhancing social protections and ensuring fair treatment are critical to improving health outcomes for Afghan refugees.

World Health Organisation. (2019). Refugee and migrant health. Retrieved from WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/refugee-and-migrant-health#tab=tab_3

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Image from - Afghanistan Situation-Global Focus

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Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health concern among Afghan refugees arriving in Australia, primarily due to previous overcrowded living conditions and restricted access to healthcare during displacement. The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide underscores the importance of early screening and culturally sensitive interventions to manage TB effectively (Refugee Health guide, n.d.). This includes community-based health education and the engagement of culturally knowledgeable health workers. Addressing TB within Afghan communities necessitates a thorough understanding of cultural health beliefs and practices, which enhances treatment adherence and fosters trust in the healthcare system. Implementing these strategies is essential for improving health outcomes for Afghan refugees.

Refugee Health guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from Australian Refugee Health Guide: https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

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Traditional Afghan music plays a significant role in Afghan communities' cultural identity and social cohesion. Instruments such as the rubab, a stringed lute, and the tabla, a hand-played drum, are central to Afghan musical traditions (Afghan Music, n.d.). These instruments are used to perform songs that often explore love, loss, and cultural heritage themes. Music is integral to various cultural practices, including ceremonies and communal gatherings, and provides insight into the emotional and historical landscape of Afghanistan.

Afghan Music. (n.d.). Retrieved from World Music Central: https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/afghan-music/#:~:text=Musical%20instruments%20include%20rubab%20(lute,dambura%20lute%2C%20and%20tabla%20drums