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One of Sudan's most ancient traditions is similar to what we call 'body modification' today. Facial and body scaring can have many different meanings depending on their tribe, sex, status, and the pattern or shape they make (World Trade Press, 2010, p.17). Throughout history, these markings have evolved and changed. It is believed that they could have also been used to accept an outsider into the community or shun an individual for their lack thereof (Ojo, 2008, p.22). It is clear how unique scarification is to Africa and its people, and the beauty of this type of tradition that's been practised for centuries.

Dinka tribe [Photograph]. (2017, May 8). Only Tribal. https://www.onlytribal.com/dinka-tribe-history-and-culture.asp

Ojo, O. (2008). Beyond diversity: Women, scarification, and Yoruba identity. History in Africa, 35, 347-374. https://doi.org/10.1353/hia.0.0015

World Trade Press. (2010). Sudan Society & Culture. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/murdoch/reader.action?docID=536287

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The Paw Research Centre approximates the majority of Sudan's population to be Muslim (U.S Department of State, n.d., sec. 1). Around one-quarter of the country is said to practice still an orthodox kind of worship, consisting of an all-creator (God), predecessors, "evil winds", and different entities that cause all natural phenomena, including weather patterns (World Trade Press, 2010, p.9). Despite these religions comprising most of the population, Christianity still holds weight in the community. Everyone is entitled to some leave for religious worship, such as church or prayer, but Ramadan is presumably the most practised custom.

Amin, M. (2020, September 11). [large religious crowd] [Photograph]. Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sudan-separation-religion-state-government-hesitation

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). 2020 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sudan. https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/sudan/

World Trade Press. (2010). Sudan: Society and culture. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/murdoch/reader.action?docID=536287

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Traditional Sudanese food comes down to the quality of local ingredients and how it has been prepared throughout history, making it hard to find an exact recipe. It is known to be of the African and Arabic style but consists of elements from many different regions. Without a doubt, they have always been fond of fish and continue to be. The Ancient Egyptians cherished the Nile perch so much that they preserved it through mummification and placed it in their temples, later worshipping the fish in a city named after it and creating a coin with its picture (Hopkins, P., 2007, p.298). Fish, in general, is still a huge part of Sudanese food today.

Hopkins, P. G. (2007). The Kenana Handbook of Sudan. Routledge. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/murdoch/reader.action?docID=652986

Invaluable. (2019). Lot 2C: Rare Egyptian Mummy of Fish - Nile Perch w/ X-Ray [Photograph]. Artemis Gallery, Louisville, CO, US. https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rare-egyptian-mummy-of-fish-nile-perch-w-x-ray-2c-c-ac44b01971

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In Africa, the majority of the population still uses traditional medicines due to the high costs of health care and access to synthetic medications. One of Sudan's most commonly used treatments is derived from the 'Ambrosia maritima' plant. It's known to help fight against infection, gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, diabetes, and many others ((Kuhnert & Karar, 2017, para. 20). Although this plant is considered a weed, it is highly valued in Sudan for its amazing healing qualities. Isn't it incredible how plants can heal so many ailments, and how communities without easy access to third-world health care utilise these traditional medicines?

Kuhnert, N., & Karar, M. E. (2017). Herbal drugs from Sudan: Traditional uses and Phytoconstituents. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 11(22), 83. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628527/

Hind, D. (1996). [Photograph]. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Brazil. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:176106-1/images

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As a refugee from Sudan, arriving in Australia could feel quite isolating and alienating, especially when fleeing from dangerous situations. More than half of South Sudan's refugees are children (Tracina & Jones, n.d.), possibly separated from their families. Refugees must be met with the right resources to thrive and regain their sense of belonging here in Australia. Not having family or community support or feeling discriminated against can lead to prolonged psychological harm, anxiety, and stress (Australian Institute of Health, 2024, p.1). A non-invasive mental health assessment with the aim to refer to appropriate specialists may be ideal.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Social determinants of health. Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

McNeish, H. (2016, October 7). [Photograph]. Earth Journalism Network. https://earthjournalism.net/stories/songs-and-sanctions-help-regreen-sudans-desert-villages

Tracina, M., & Jones, M. (n.d.). Refugees of Sudan - Lizzy's story. Social JustUs [Podcast]. https://omny.fm/shows/social-justus/s2e3-refugees-of-sudan-lizzys-story?t=1m1s

Yehuda Marta. (n.d.). [Photograph]. https://www.wildflowers.co.il/hebrew/picture.asp?ID=6149.

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Arriving in a new country as a refugee can bring a turmoil of emotions as well as other health-related conditions. Having read 1.2 of Domain 1: Clinical Expert, I now realise the significance of not only considering a patient's past and present medical conditions but also their past experiences and the effects those experiences have had on them. The most important way I can incorporate this competency standard into my nursing practice is through empathy, compassion and understanding. Building a trusting relationship and choosing the right time to discuss these past experiences is crucial to delivering the appropriate care. Trying to recall traumatic memories or events before a patient is ready could be detrimental to their well-being.

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/2023/04/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Sudan has experienced many outbreaks, such as dengue fever and diphtheria. Each year, 78,000 young children lose their lives to preventable illnesses, including malaria ("Health Supporting high impact interventions to save lives of mothers and babies," n.d. para. 3). Malaria is one of the most significant health issues Sudan faces due to frequent flooding, poor hygiene and puddles giving breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the disease. When arriving in Australia, Sudanese refugees are likely to present with Malaria. They should be diagnosed using blood and RTD tests and treated promptly with anti-malarial drugs that kill the parasite. Deterioration rate can be rapid in malaria so it's important to be prompt with testing and diagnosis.

Health Supporting high impact interventions to save lives of mothers and babies. (n.d.). UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/sudan/health

Ryeng, H. S. (n.d.). Malaria season Rain and flooding are causing malaria surges. www.unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/southsudan/stories/malaria-season

Ryeng, H. S. (n.d.). [Photograph]. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/southsudan/stories/malaria-season