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Ethnic/linguistic map of Sudan and South Sudan

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Sudan's Linguistic Diversity: A Reflection of Rich Cultural Heritage

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Sudan's Linguistic Diversity: A Reflection of Rich Cultural Heritage

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Sudan, Africa’s largest country, contains extraordinary linguistic diversity, with over 100 languages spoken (Abdelhay et al., 1989). Arabic is the primary language, and it is widely used in government, commerce, and urban life (Spaulding & Economist Intelligence Unit, 2019). Alongside Arabic, English was declared official in the 2005 interim constitution (FamilySearch Wiki, 2024).

Sudan’s languages mainly belong to three African language families: Afro-Asiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo (Spaulding & Economist Intelligence Unit, 2019). Afro-Asiatic languages like Arabic and Bedawi (spoken by the Beja people) are the most prevalent (Spaulding & Economist Intelligence Unit, 2019). Nilo-Saharan languages include the Nubian dialects, Zaghawa in the west, Fur in the southwest, and Dinka in the south (Spaulding & Economist Intelligence Unit, 2019).

This linguistic diversity reflects Sudan’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the vital role these languages play in preserving the nation’s identity and history.

Citations

Abdelhay, A., Abu-Manga, A.-A., & Miller, C. (1989). Multidimensional Change in the Republic of Sudan (pp. 978–979). https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01410901/document

FamilySearch Wiki. (2024, July 23). Sudan Languages. Familysearch.org. https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Sudan_Languages

Spaulding, J. L., & Economist Intelligence Unit. (2019). Sudan | history - geography. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan

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Sudanese Muslim worshippers who fled violence in Khartoum gather for Eid al-Adha morning prayers.

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Sudan's religious landscape is predominantly shaped by Islam, with most of the population adhering to Sunni Islam (Britannica, 2019). A key feature of Sudanese Sunni Islam is the formation of tarīqahs, or Muslim religious brotherhoods (Britannica, 2019), which play a significant role in religious life across the country.

Though Islam is the dominant faith, Sudan is also home to other religious practices. Approximately 5.4% of the population identifies as Christian, while 2.8% follow traditional Indigenous religions (U.S. Department of State, 2023). These Indigenous beliefs often centre around a high spirit or creator god (Britannica, 2019), reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of Sudan's diverse communities. Additionally, a small portion of the population follows other religions or remains unaffiliated (U.S. Department of State, 2023).

Citations

Britannica. (2019). Sudan - Religion. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan/Religion

U.S. Department of State. (2023, May 15). Sudan - United States Department of State. United States Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/sudan/

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Sudanese Seniyya: A large round platter holding all the communal dishes. 

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Sudan's culinary traditions are a rich blend of West African, Arabic, and European influences (Hales, 2019). The diverse cuisine features hearty stews, gravies, fresh and cooked salads, dips, rice dishes, and unique breads, all often enjoyed by hand. Lamb and chicken are the favoured meats, reflecting Sudan's Muslim-majority culture (Eltigani & Habiballa, 2018).

Dining in Sudan is a communal affair, where large extended families gather to share meals from a Seniyya (Eltigani & Habiballa, 2018). This sizeable round metal platter holds all the communal dishes. In Sudan, sharing a meal is more than just eating; it symbolises unity and peace. The expression "We ate a meal together" conveys that "All is well between us." (Hales, 2019).

Citations

Eltigani, O., & Habiballa, L. (2018, June 4). And in Sudan, A Famished Food Culture. The Third Rail. http://thirdrailquarterly.org/and-in-sudan-a-famished-foodculture/#:~:text=Sudanese%20cuisine%20consists%20of%20a

Hales, M. (2019, December 10). Sudanese Food. @Travellocal. https://www.travellocal.com/en-gb/articles/cuisine-of-sudan

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A Faki (religious healer) from Abu Shouk, North Darfur, Sudan, holds a smoking pot during the preparation of a traditional treatment for mental illness.

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Spiritual Healing: The Role of Traditional Healers 

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Spiritual Healing: The Role of Traditional Healers 

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In Sudan, traditional healers known as Faki (Kunna et al., 2020) play a pivotal role in maintaining their communities' health and well-being. These healers draw their abilities from religion, supernatural beliefs, experience, or family heritage (Kunna et al., 2020), making them a vital part of Sudanese culture, particularly in treating ailments with spiritual origins.

One popular healing technique is the Spitting Cure (Al-Azima), used by 37.2% of Sudanese (Mohammed & Babikir, 2013). During this ritual, the healer recites Quranic verses while touching the patient’s head and lightly spits after each verse to transfer Baraka (blessings) (Mohammed & Babikir, 2013). This method is especially favoured for conditions like epilepsy (Mohammed & Babikir, 2013), where spiritual healing is sought.

These practices highlight the deep connection between faith and health in Sudan, where health is viewed as a balance of physical and spiritual well-being.

Citations

Kunna, E., Yamamoto, T., & Fahal, A. (2020). The use of traditional medicines among mycetoma patients. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 115(4), 297–306. https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traa135

Mohammed, I. N., & Babikir, H. E. (2013). Traditional and spiritual medicine among Sudanese children with epilepsy. Sudanese Journal of Paediatrics, 13(1), 31–37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4949961/

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For me, the most impactful learning has been the depth of trauma that refugees endure and its significant influence on their healthcare interactions (Migrant & Refugee, 2019).

I have realised that comprehensive care for refugees goes beyond treating visible health issues; it involves acknowledging and accommodating their complex trauma histories (Tomasi et al., 2022).

Having learned about trauma-informed care (NSW Health Government, 2023), I've been driven to adopt approaches considering the patient's cultural and historical background to prevent re-traumatization (Migrant & Refugee, 2019).

This knowledge has highlighted the critical importance of healthcare practices in treating, supporting, and empowering refugees.

Because I previously lacked a deeper understanding of these complexities, this learning journey has significantly increased the responsibility I feel towards my future practice.

Previously, my grasp of the various factors impacting refugee health was incomplete.

Hence, this awareness challenges me to rethink traditional healthcare delivery and provide a more effective and compassionate approach.

Citations

Migrant & Refugee. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS.

NSW Health Government. (2023). Integrated Trauma-Informed Care Framework: My story, my health, my future - Integrated trauma-informed care. Www.health.nsw.gov.au. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/trauma/Pages/itic-framework.aspx

Tomasi, A.-M., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (2022, July). Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees. Aifs.gov.au. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

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St Columba College Junior School is located in a suburb with one of the state's largest Sudanese communities.

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Social Determinant: Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination

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Social Determinant: Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination

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For Sudanese refugees in Australia, the journey toward integration and health is deeply influenced by social inclusion and non-discrimination. These factors, recognised by the World Health Organization as critical social determinants of health, are crucial for ensuring access to healthcare and overall well-being (World Health Organization, 2021).

Effective healthcare for these individuals goes beyond merely treating illnesses; it involves restoring dignity and affirming their safety and value within the community (Correa-Velez et al., 2010).

Social inclusion guarantees them equitable access to healthcare, education, and employment—essential for successful integration and health outcomes (Edge et al., 2014). Non-discrimination in healthcare is especially critical, requiring culturally sensitive care that respects refugees’ diverse backgrounds and proactively addresses specific health risks without bias.

It is crucial to avoid the “rescuer complex”, where refugees are seen merely as victims needing salvation. Instead, healthcare providers and community members should engage with Sudanese refugees as fellow human beings, respecting their autonomy and individual experiences (Gifford, 2009). This approach avoids dehumanising and fosters a more respectful and effective interaction.

Citations

Correa-Velez, I., Gifford, S. M., & Barnett, A. G. (2010). Longing to belong: Social inclusion and wellbeing among youth with refugee backgrounds in the first three years in Melbourne, Australia. Social Science & Medicine, 71(8), 1399–1408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.07.018

Edge, S., Newbold, K. B., & McKeary, M. (2014). Exploring socio-cultural factors that mediate, facilitate, & constrain the health and empowerment of refugee youth. Social Science & Medicine, pp. 117, 34–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.07.025

Gifford, S. M. (2009). BETWEEN BELONGING AND DISCRIMINATION: THE EXPERIENCES OF AFRICAN AUSTRALIANS FROM REFUGEE BACKGROUNDS A LaRRC submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission on African Australians.

World Health Organization. (2021). Social determinants of health. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

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Health Challenges and Care Strategies for Sudanese Refugees in Australia

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Health Challenges and Care Strategies for Sudanese Refugees in Australia

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Common health issues among newly arrived African refugees in Melbourne include a lack of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases, vitamin D deficiency, infectious diseases (such as gastrointestinal infections, schistosomiasis, and latent tuberculosis), dental disease, as well as musculoskeletal and psychological problems in adults (Queensland Health Multicultural Services, 2011).

Vitamin D deficiency is common among Sudanese refugees due to limited sunlight exposure and dietary differences (Paxton & Singleton, 2024). This condition affects bone, muscle, and immune health and is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety (Dawson-Hughes, 2019).

Treatment based on the "Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide" varies by deficiency severity:

Severe: High doses (25,000-50,000 IU weekly), then 800-1000 IU daily.

Moderate to Mild: 800-1000 IU daily, adjusted based on levels.

Children: 1000-2000 IU daily for 2-3 months.

Proper management helps improve refugees' overall health and integration into Australian society.

Citations

Dawson-Hughes, B. (2019). UpToDate. Uptodate.com. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vitamin-d-deficiency-beyond-the-basics

Paxton, G., & Singleton, G. (2024). Low Vitamin D» Australian Refugee Health. Low Vitamin D. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/low-vitamin-d/

Queensland Health Multicultural Services. (2011). Community Profiles for Health Care Providers - Sudanese Profile. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/157378/sudanese2011.pdf