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Incense   in Sudan (Zar Ritual): Image Courtesy: Women's Literacy in Sudan

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Traditional method of Treatment in Sudanese Culture

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Traditional method of Treatment in Sudanese Culture

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Sudan is the third largest country in Africa with a diverse cultural and linguistic heritage known for the world’s richest traditional folk medicine (Mariod, 2023). Even though, modern medicine entered in 1898, people resort to folk medicine to treat their physical, psychological, and mental issues, and possess a strong belief in their folk healers associated with religious beliefs and sanctities (Safi, 2007). Many Sudanese specialized in traditional medicine such as traditional bone setters, traditional surgeons, cauterization, and traditional folk psychiatry involving conventional treatment methods (Mariod, 2023). Interestingly, Zar rituals are deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and performed to expel spirits through music, dance, and the use of incense guided by the leader. The tradition is also present in neighboring countries of Sudan and Asia (Mbiti, 2015).

References

Mariod, A., Elrasheid Tahir, H., & Agab, M. A. (2023). History of traditional medicine practices in Sudan: Review. International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research, 4(1), 31–36. https://doi.org/10.53811/ijtcmr.1200069

Mbiti, J. S. (2015). Introduction to African religion (2nd ed.). Waveland Press. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=f6e3BgAAQBAJ

Safi, A. E. (2007). Traditional Sudanese medicine: A primer for health care providers, researchers, and students. AZZA House. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=YkcSAQAAIAAJ

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Popularly known as Aceda, Sudan’s fermented stiff porridge is made from fermented or unfermented cereals like sorghum or millet flour by women and consumed in different parts of Sudan (Elkhalifa et al., 2007). It is considered the main traditional dish for breakfast during Ramadan month in rural areas of Sudan. Also known as Sudanese porridge, it has become an appetizer in various shapes and is very much decorated (Mohamed et al., 2015). Besides being the cherished food of Sudan, Aceda contains health-promoting factors that help with digestion and is considered a good diet for children (Taylor and Duodu, 2015). Interestingly, the people in parts of Sudan have their own characteristics and methods for preparing and serving Aceda. Even today, it is still the cherished and popular dish of Sudan.

References

Elkhalifa, A. E. O., Ali, A. M., & Ah, E. T. (2007). Fermented sorghum foods of Sudan—A review. Journal of Food Science and Technology.

Mohamed, R. A., Salama, S. M., & Mariod, A. (2015). Aceda: A fermented stiff porridge. In A. Mariod (Ed.), Traditional Sudanese foods: Sources, preparation, and nutritional and therapeutic aspects (pp. 12-25)

Taylor, J. R., & Duodu, K. G. (2015). Effects of processing sorghum and millets on their phenolic phytochemicals and the implications of this to the health-enhancing properties of sorghum and millet food and beverage products. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 95(2), 225-237. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6713

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عصيدة الذرة Sorghum Dumpling recipe from The Sudanese Kitchen.

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Photo Credit :Conservation Education Center, 2021

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Medicinal plants are mostly consumed in African countries and used for various purposes in Sudan. According to Maroyi (2013), 80% of African countries use traditional medicinal plants for primary health care. In Sudan, 90% of its population mostly farmers are dependent on conventional medicine. The plants are used mixed with food, processed into tea, and some are produced as capsules or tablets (Elegami et al., 2002). Goddaim pant (Grewia tenax) is one of the many traditional medicinal plants used in Sudan. It is a deciduous shrub growing up to 2m in height along riverine areas (Abdelgadir et al., 2021). It is being used as a source of iron, improving the health of pregnant women, and as food for babies.

References

Abdelgadir, A. A., Ahmed, M. E. O., & Ahmed, E. M. (2021). Traditional Uses of Herbal Medicines in Khartoum and Gezira state (Central Sudan). Arabian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Vol. 7, 29-73 Pages. https://doi.org/10.48347/IMIST.PRSM/AJMAP-V7I1.22273

Elegami, A. A., El-Nima, E. I., El Tohami, M. S., & Muddathir, A. K. (2002). Antimicrobial activity of some species of the family Combretaceae. Phytotherapy Research, 16(6), 555–561. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1031

Maroyi, A. (2013). Traditional use of medicinal plants in south-central Zimbabwe: Review and perspectives. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 9, 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-9-31

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In Competency Standard Framework 2019, clinical expert is listed as one of the most important domain. Being from a culturally diverse country, I feel the relevant and closest aspect of competency standard 1.1 was the diversity of individual experiences and cultural considerations. Since, Australia is a culturally diverse country with more than 49% born overseas, and almost one-fifth of the people speaking a language other than English at home (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016), providing care to diverse people including migrant and refugee backgrounds has become important. Having learned about the importance of incorporating cultural considerations into care, I came to understand that the person’s knowledge of health and illness, accessibility to health care, and acceptance of health information have been greatly impacted by the culture.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2016). Census: multicultural. https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/lookup/media%20release3

Working Group of the 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. Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership.

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Non-discrimination and social inclusion, the important component of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) social determinants will play an important role in refugees arriving from Sudanese culture to Australia. Firstly, the transition to a new country from a country of different cultures and beliefs will be daunting and challenging (Pittaway, 2023). At those times, welcoming the refugees actively, and supporting and integrating into new communities will improve their health results. Yong (2018), mentioned that higher rates of morbidity and mortality are experienced by individuals experiencing social exclusion. Similarly, providing support without discrimination can reduce their stress and help their mental and physical health. Social inclusion will give Sudanese refugees access to education, healthcare, and employment which are important for well-being whereas non-discrimination will enable Sudanese refugees to participate equally developing a sense of belonging (World Health Organization, 2017).

References

Pittaway, T., Riggs, E., & Dantas, J. A. R. (2023). Intergenerational conflict among resettled South Sudanese in Australia. Transcultural Psychiatry, 60(2), 215-225. https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615221105115

World Health Organization. (2017). Promoting the health of refugees and migrants: Draft framework of priorities and guiding principles to promote the health of refugees and migrants. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/promoting-the-health-of-refugees-and-migrants

Young, J., Borschmann, R., Camacho, X., Knight, J., Kouyoumdjian, F., Janjua, N., Atkinson, J., & Kinner, S. (2018). Linked data and inclusion health: Harmonised international data linkage to identify determinants of health inequalities. International Journal of Population Data Science, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.23889/ijpds.v3i4.597

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Displaced Sudanese Face Protection Crisis as War Drags On (Photo Credit: Reuters

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Common Health Issues that Sudanese Refugees Face

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Common Health Issues that Sudanese Refugees Face

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Migration of people from Sudan started in the 1990s as a result of the extended civil war between Northern and Southern Sudan displacing over 30,000 Sudanese to Australia (Abur,2016). The refugees in Australia from Sudan face lots of health challenges particularly mental health issues due to social isolation, family breakdown, intergenerational conflict, foreground discrimination, and unemployment (Abur, 2016). Furthermore, Savic et al, (2016), added mental issues such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety exacerbated by social isolation, language barriers, and introduction to new environments are being experienced by Sudanese refugees in Australia. As recommended by the Australian refugee health practice guide, trauma-informed care would be one treatment to recognize the impact of trauma and create a safe environment for physical and emotional purposes. It would provide culturally sensitive counseling considering refugee’s culture, language, and experiences.

References

Arbur, W., & Spaaij, R. (2016). Settlement and employment experiences of South Sudanese people from refugee backgrounds in Melbourne, Australia. Australasian Review of African Studies, 37(2), 107–128. https://doi.org/10.22160/22035184/ARAS-2016-37-2/107-128

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (n.d.). Mental health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Savic, M., Chur-Hansen, A., Mahmood, M. A., & Moore, V. M. (2016). ‘We don’t have to go and see a special person to solve this problem’: Trauma, mental health beliefs and processes for addressing ‘mental health issues’ among Sudanese refugees in Australia. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 62(1), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764015595664

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Displaced Sudanese Face Protection Crisis as War Drags On

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Sudan conflict has displaced more than 5.4 million people, making it the fastest displacement crisis in the world

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Nuba (Sudan) - Picture Credit: Traditional Sports

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Three traditional sports of Sudanese Culture 

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Three traditional sports of Sudanese Culture 

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Of many traditional sports in Sudan, Nuba wrestling, Camel racing, and traditional archery are common sports that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Commonly known as Nuba wrestling, the sport is being played among the people of Nuba which involves pinning down each other. Besides being a physical contest, it also signifies a cultural event showcasing traditional music and dance (El-Tom, 2004). Similarly, Camel racing is another significant traditional sport that reflects the societal and economic roles of camels in the country (Hassan, 2007). The racing events are being celebrated during their festivals. Traditional archery is another sport practiced by tribes of Sudan and it has historical roots in hunting and defense (Moussa, 2012). These are the three sports which not only entertain people but also help in culture and tradition preservation.

References

El-Tom, A. (2004). Traditional sports and games in Sudan. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 16(1), 55-67. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369681042000210509

Hassan, M. (2007). The cultural significance of camel racing in Sudan. Sudanese Studies, 38, 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634930701321423

Moussa, A. (2012). Archery in Sudanese culture. African Historical Review, 44(2), 98-110. https://doi.org/10.1080/17532523.2012.728630

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Traditional sports, culture and sport, cultural identity