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Many refugees, especially those from Iraq, carry trauma that can affect their mental health. Unfortunately, they often do not turn to professional services for support. In Australia, one study showed that a specially designed mental health literacy course for community workers made a clear difference. Recognition of PTSD improved from 56% before training to 82% after, and workers also became better at noticing depression, felt more confident to help, and showed less stigma (Uribe Guajardo et al., 2018). Still, not enough refugees use mental health services even years after arriving. Research found that only about one-third of Afghan and Iraqi refugees sought help for emotional problems, and many did so only once in a while (Slewa-Younan et al., 2019). A later study highlighted factors such as health, distress, access to interpreters, and barriers in the system (Tomasi et al., 2022). These findings stress the need for culturally sensitive programs.

Slewa-Younan, S., Rioseco, P., Uribe Guajardo, M. G., & Mond, J. (2019). Database. BMC Public Health, 19, Article 1485.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7673-5

• Tomasi, A.-M., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (2022). Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking Amongst Afghan and Iraqi Refugees in Australia: Understanding Predictors Five Years Post Resettlement. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1896. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031896

• Uribe Guajardo, M. G., Slewa-Younan, S., Kitchener, B. A., Mannan, H., Mohammad, Y., & Jorm, A. F. (2018). Improving the capacity of community-based workers in Australia to provide initial assistance to Iraqi refugees with mental health problems. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 12, Article 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-018-0180-8

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Social inclusion and non - discrimination 

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Social inclusion and non - discrimination 

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In Australia, everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. Non-discrimination and social inclusion are key to mental well-being and help people feel part of their community (Department of Health, 2012). For refugees, the journey to self-reliance can be especially challenging. Programs exist to support newcomers in finding work, education, and community connections, but gaps remain—especially for those on temporary visas (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023).

On top of this, many refugees experience discrimination, which can seriously affect both their mental and physical health. A study in South Australia found that many refugees reported discrimination across housing, healthcare, and social life, with significant impacts on their well-being (Ziersch, Due, & Walsh, 2020).

Supporting refugees through inclusive policies and social programs isn’t just a legal responsibility—it’s a chance to build stronger, healthier communities for everyone

Department of Health. (2012). Part II: Non-discrimination and social inclusion. Australian Government Department of Health. https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/pub-sqps-rights-toc~pub-sqps-rights-2

Refugee Council of Australia. (2023). Refugee Response Index Australia Review: Refugees become self-reliant (Pillar 4). https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/rri-refugees-become-self-reliant/

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: A health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20, 108. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

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Tuberculosis (TB) remain as a significant global health concern, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. According to the World Health Organization , TB is a contagious disease mainly affecting the lungs, and early identification and treatment is a key to prevent its spread. Refugees, including those from Iraq, face increased risks due to relocation , limited access to healthcare, and pre-existing health conditions (Maryland Department of Health, n.d.). Management of latent TB infection (LTBI) involves preventive treatment, typically with isoniazid for 6–9 months, under the supervision of experienced clinicians to reduce adverse effects, such as toxic hepatitis and neuropathy (Refugee Health Guide, n.d.). Treatment commitment is essential, and patients must be educated about side effects and the differences between LTBI and active TB. While LTBI treatment is recommended, it is not mandatory, and patients should feel comforted that their legal status will not be affected if they don't need therapy.

References

Maryland Department of Health. (n.d.). Iraqi refugee health profile. https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/oidpcs/oih/oih%20documents/iraqi-refugee-health-profile.pdf

Refugee Health Guide. (n.d.). Tuberculosis (TB). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Tuberculosis. https://www.who.int/health-topics/tuberculosis

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Healing Through Nature: Iraqi Medicinal Plants

For centuries, people in Iraq use plants for healing everyday illnesses. Study done by Al-Douri (2000), traditional healers, known as Attars, shared their knowledge of almost 100 plants used in folk medicine. These plants came from different families and were used in many ways, leaves brewed into tea, seeds crushed for oils, or roots boiled for remedies. What makes this study special is that it doesn’t just list plants, but also shows the deep connection between culture, health, and the natural environment (Al-Douri, 2000). While modern medicine is widely available today, this traditional knowledge still stays . It reminds us that nature has always been a source of healing, and documenting it can help future generations explore safer, natural options for health. Al-Douri’s work shows that sometimes, old wisdom can guide new discoveries.

Al-Douri, N. A. (2000). A survey of medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Iraq. Pharmaceutical Biology, 38(1), 74–79. https://doi.org/10.1076/1388-0209(200001)3811-BFT074