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Chosen Country: Iraq

Most Iraqis seeking asylum in Australia have recently immigrated through the special humanitarian program. They demand defence against severe violence that targets racial and religious groups and violent Islamist terrorist organizations (Evason, 2017). According to the Department of Home Affairs, by the end of June 2021, there were almost 99,360 people of Iraqis seeking refuge in Australia. It was almost twice as many compared to June 2011 (54,980). As a result, the number of Australians born in Iraq ranks as the seventeenth-largest immigrant group, accounting for 1.3% of all citizens born outside of Australia and 0.4% of the country's total population.

According to Queensland Health (2011), the study found that Iraqi refugees' leading health concerns are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Malnutrition.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) :

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder experienced by a shocking and traumatic event. In this case, Iraqis who migrate to Australia as refugees frequently battle with PTSD brought on by pre-migration traumas, which is made worse by persistent concerns for the safety of family members who were left behind and made worse by a lack of motivation to seek treatment (Slewa-Younan et al., 2017).

Tuberculosis:

Iraqis who immigrate to Australia, particularly those from refugee-like circumstances, suffer health issues, including a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, tuberculosis is contagious. For people entering the country on humanitarian visas who are 11 years old or older, thorough screenings—such as foreign chest X-rays—are essential. Within two weeks of arrival, TB examinations are conducted on detained people. The quick detection and management of TB is critical to the health of Iraqi refugees and the larger community. This will allow for their easy assimilation into Australian culture.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that can be prevented by vaccination. Iraq is one of Australia's most common source countries for people living with chronic hepatitis B. In 2003-2004 in WA, testing for infectious diseases showed that 11% of refugees from the Middle East, including Iraq, were exposed to hepatitis B (Refugee Screening and Follow up - Tuberculosis, 2015).

Citation:
Permanent migration from Iraq. (June 2023). Www.homeaffairs.gov.au. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/country-profiles/profiles/iraq

Slewa-Younan, S., Guajardo, M.G.U., Yaser, A., & et al. (2017). Causes of and risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder: The beliefs of Iraqi and Afghan refugees resettled in Australia. Int J Ment Health Syst, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-016-0109-z

Refugee screening and follow up - Tuberculosis. (2015). Www.health.nsw.gov.au. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/tuberculosis/Pages/refugee-screening.aspx

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1. Malay:

Nasi Lemak is a rice dish frequently referred to as our national breakfast. It is cooked with coconut milk and served with hot sambal, anchovies, peanuts and a boiled egg.

2. Chinese:

Distinctly, Malaysian dishes such as Char Kuey Tiaw represent the Chinese influence. Char Kuey Tiaw, in particular, is a renowned noodle dish embraced and celebrated for its flavours.

3. Indian:

Roti Canai is a type of flatbread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with lentils or other curries. It can also be filled or topped with ingredients like eggs or sardines.

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For me, The competency standard that stood out was 12.3. In the competency standard of 12.3, clinicians must respect ethical principles prioritizing person-centred care, equity, safety, and dignity to provide migrants and refugees care sensitive to their cultural traditions. My understanding of how a person's past might influence healthcare decisions has substantially increased. After immersing myself in various ceremonies and beliefs, I feel more equipped to treat patients from origins other than my own. This understanding is crucial to my job because it enables me to deeply connect with patients and ensure they feel acknowledged and respected. Those of us in the healthcare sector must accept and understand these distinctions to deliver the best care, bursting with diverse identities.

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. 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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WHO. (2023) Social Determinants of Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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Addressing Social Determinants for Migrants and Refugees in Australia. 

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Cultural Insight into Malaysia Rural Healthcare: 

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Cultural Insight into Malaysia Rural Healthcare: 

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Despite its sophisticated rural health infrastructure, In Malaysia, various ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, and Indians, adhere to varied traditional medical beliefs. It's essential to comprehend these beliefs for productive healthcare encounters. This study explores traditional medical methods in rural areas, considering ideas from Yin-Yang, Ayurveda, and "hot and cold" theories. Additionally, it evaluates women's health and cultural conceptions of the body. Understanding these ideas can improve patient-provider communication and lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatments. Traditional and contemporary health ideas can produce more effective and culturally appropriate healthcare outcomes as a community working together.

Ariff, K. M., & Beng, K. S. (2006). Cultural health beliefs in a rural family practice: a Malaysian perspective. The Australian journal of rural health, 14(1), 2–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2006.00747.x

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In Malaysia, diverse ethnic groups, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures, uphold varied health practices. While the Ministry of Health manages modern healthcare, traditional techniques also persist. Malay medicine emphasizes elemental harmony, while Chinese and Indian communities focus on yin, yang, Qi, and Ayurvedic principles. The "Orang Asli" integrate nature and ancestral spirits in their rituals. Religious beliefs shape health perspectives, especially from Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Though modern medicine dominates, the government supports integrating traditional methods, emphasizing a holistic approach.

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To me, health means an individual's overall well-being, which includes the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of life. There is more to it than just being healthy; it includes feeling healthy, being mentally stable and having a sense of belonging. An individual's condition and health will allow them to adapt and thrive in the face of psychological and physical challenges, enabling them to have a long, happy life.

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Legacy and Resilience: The Tapestry of Traditional Malay Medicine

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"Legacy and Resilience: The Tapestry of Traditional Malay Medicine"