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Facts about Afghanistan and its culture!...

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Facts about Afghanistan and its culture!...

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71,950 Afghan-born people were living in Australia in June 2022

The Taliban de facto authorities have been in control of Afghanistan since 15 August 2021.

The traditional dish of Afghanistan is called kabuli pulao!

The main religion that Afghans follow is Islam!

The population is estimated at 35,581,000 in 2024, but the census hasn't been officially taken since 1979 due to years of war!

Afghanistan is landlocked, and the capital city is called Kabul.

The nearest coastline is 480km away, and this is the Arabian Sea!

The official languages people of Afghanistan speak are Pashto and Dari, although more than 30 languages are known to be spoken, and multilingualism is common.

References

Afghanistan facts. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Afghanistan

Department of home affairs website. (2024, 6). Department of Home Affairs Website.

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/country-profiles/profiles/afghanistan#

Immigrant health service : Afghan refugees - key issues. (n.d.). The Royal Children's Hospital : The Royal Children's Hospital.

https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/Afghan_refugees_-_key_issues/

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WHO- Social determinants- "impacts of social inclusion and non-discrimination" as a refugee arriving in Australia from Afghanistan...

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WHO- Social determinants- "impacts of social inclusion and non-discrimination" as a refugee arriving in Australia from Afghanistan...

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Race, colour, gender, language, religious beliefs and nationality are just factors that form a person's identity and allow for human connections through relationships with others.

However, as a new refugee from Afghanistan, A language barrier would impose a high risk towards a mental health decline, such as depression or substance abuse, because the feelings of isolation and fear would be so great to an individual. After all, the Australian culture is so different to Afghanistan, and the feeling of being a minority would limit the ability to participate in society, access health care, and be free from discrimination (Free and equal: A reform agenda for federal discrimination laws (2021).

References

Free and equal: A reform agenda for federal discrimination laws (2021). (n.d.). https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/rights-and-freedoms/publications/free-and-equal-reform-agenda-federal-discrimination-laws

Immigrant health service : Afghan refugees - key issues. (n.d.). The Royal Children's Hospital : The Royal Children's Hospital. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/Afghan_refugees_-_key_issues/

WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health, & World Health Organization. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health : Commission on social determinants of health final report. World Health Organization.

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Overview

Refugees and migrants have a variety of different physical and mental health needs, shaped by experiences in their country of origin, their migration journey, their host country's entry and integration policies, and living and working conditions. These experiences can increase the vulnerability of refugees and migrants to chronic and infectious diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health services, putting people already in vulnerable situations at heightened risk and hampering the ability of health systems to respond to their needs.

Key data and information on refugees and migrants

The term refugee is defined in Article 1 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (3). There is no universally accepted definition of the term migrant (4). However, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs defines an international migrant as "any person who changes his or her country of usual residence", and this definition includes people who are moving or have moved across an international border, regardless of legal status, duration of the stay abroad and causes for migration (5).

Migrants may be given a migration status that limits their entitlement and access to health care. However, international law guarantees universal access in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) (6).

Although governed by separate legal frameworks, refugees and migrants are entitled to the same universal human rights and fundamental freedoms as other people (7).

In 2021, countries with the highest number of refugees fleeing were 1. Syrian Arab Republic, 2. Venezuela, 3. Afghanistan, 4. South Sudan and 5. Myanmar while countries hosting the highest number of refugees were 1. Turkey, 2. Colombia, 3. Uganda, 4. Pakistan, 5. Germany (8).

In the first 5 weeks since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, more than 4 million refugees from Ukraine crossed borders into neighbouring countries, and many more have been forced to move inside the country (9).

In 2020, the top countries of origin for international migrants were 1. India, 2. Mexico, 3. Russian Federation, 4. Syrian Arab Republic, 5. China. The United States of America has been the main country of destination for international migrants since 1970, and Germany is the second top destination (10).

Common health needs and vulnerabilities of refugees and migrants

Refugees and migrants are a diverse group and have a variety of health needs, which may differ from those of the host populations.

Refugees and migrants often come from communities affected by war, conflict, natural disasters, environmental degradation or economic crisis. They undertake long, exhausting journeys with inadequate access to food and water, sanitation and other basic services, which increases their risk of communicable diseases, particularly measles, and food- and waterborne diseases. They may also be at risk of accidental injuries, hypothermia, burns, unwanted pregnancy and delivery-related complications, and various noncommunicable diseases due to the migration experience, restrictive entry and integration policies and exclusion.

Refugees and migrants may arrive in the country of destination with poorly controlled non-communicable diseases, as they did not have care on the journey. Maternity care is usually a first point of contact with health systems for female refugees and migrants.

Refugees and migrants may also be at risk of poor mental health because of traumatic or stressful experiences Many of them experience feelings of anxiety and sadness, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, anger or aches and pains but for most people these symptoms of distress improve over time They may be at more risk of such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the host populations.

Refugee and migrant health is also strongly related to the social determinants of health, such as employment, income, education and housing

Barriers to access to health services

Refugees and migrants remain among the most vulnerable members of society and are often faced with xenophobia; discrimination; substandard living, housing and working conditions; and inadequate or restricted access to mainstream health services.

Migrants, particularly in an irregular situation, are often excluded from national programmes for health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and care, as well as from financial protection in health. They can also face high user fees, low levels of health literacy, poor cultural competency among health providers, stigma and inadequate interpreting services.

Barriers are even greater for people with disabilities. Women and girls may find difficulty in accessing sexual and gender-based violence protection and response services. Refugee and migrant children, especially unaccompanied minors, are more likely to experience traumatic events and stressful situations, such as exploitation and abuse, and may struggle to access health care.

The ability to access health services in humanitarian settings is usually compromised and complicated by shortages of medicines and lack of healthcare facilities.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an increased risk of infection and death for refugees and migrants. People on the move may have limited tools to protect themselves such as social distancing, hand hygiene and self-isolation are often not possible.

The pandemic has highlighted existing inequities in access to and utilization of health services. Refugees and migrants have also suffered the negative economic impact of lockdown and travel restrictions. Income loss and health care insecurity may have particularly affected labour migrants. They may have also experienced legal and social insecurity caused by the postponement of decisions on migration status or a reduction of employment, legal and administrative services.

WHO response

WHO believes that everyone, including refugees and migrants, should be able to enjoy the right to health and access to people-centred, high-quality health services without financial impediment, as expressed by our commitment to universal health coverage. Health systems should incorporate the needs of refugees and migrants in national and local health policies, financing, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. In rapid and effective emergency responses, health care may sometimes need to be delivered in a parallel structure to the national health system, but in the long term, refugee and migrant health should be mainstreamed into existing services.

WHO works around the world to secure the health rights of refugees and migrants and achieve universal health coverage. Through the Health and Migration Programme, and in collaboration with regional and country offices, WHO provides global leadership, advocacy, coordination and policy on health and migration; sets norms and standards to support decision-making; monitors trends, strengthens health information systems and promotes tools and strategies; provides technical assistance, response and capacity-building support to address public health challenges; and promotes global multilateral action and collaboration by working with UN agencies and other international stakeholders, as well as by being part of the United Nations Network on Migration.

WHO works with countries to build strong health systems that are supported by a well trained, culturally sensitive and competent workforce, and are sensitive to the needs of refugees and migrants, their languages and their unique health problems.

Notes

1. https://www.iom.int/data-and-research

2. https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/

3. http://www.unhcr.org/3b66c2aa10.pdf

4. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/promoting-the-health-of-refugees-and-migrants-draft-global-action-plan-2019-2023

5. Recommendations on Statistics of International Migration, Revision 1 (1998) para. 32). https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/seriesm/seriesm_58rev1e.pdf

6. https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N15/291/89/PDF/N1529189.pdf?OpenElement

7. United Nations General Assembly resolution 71/1 (2016). New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, paragraph 6 ( http://undocs.org/a/res/71/1)

8. https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/

9. https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine

10. Interactive World Migration Report 2022 (iom.int)

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Refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people (IDPs) and migrants often come from communities affected by war, conflict, climate change or economic crisis, with vulnerabilities related to the condition of their journeys such as inadequate access to food and water, sanitation and other basic services.

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Common Health issues arriving in Australia from Afghanistan!..

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Common Health issues arriving in Australia from Afghanistan!..

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Poor oral hygiene is a common health complaint among new refugees arriving in Australia. It can include tooth decay, pain in the gums, and missing or broken teeth, which increase the risk of infections and ongoing gum disease (Narayanasamy et al., 2024)

Poor oral hygiene comes from limited access to basic amenities and the poverty that refugees experience before leaving the country they are fleeing.

Some treatments can include:

Inspecting the mouth to treat any acute pain or infections.

Providing education on brushing the teeth x2 days and flossing to prevent plaque build-up.

Healthier ways to support nutrition.

Referral to a dentist for regular dental screening (Narayanasamy et al., 2024)

References

Narayanasamy, S., Gardiner, J., & Chaves, N. (2024). Hearing, vision and oral health » Australian refugee health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/hearing-vision-and-oral-health/. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/hearing-vision-and-oral-health/

Oral health. (2019, November 14). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health#tab=tab_1

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Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. It encompasses a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, Periodontal disease, Tooth loss, Oral cancer, Oral manifestations of HIV infection, Oro-dental trauma, Noma and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 estimated that oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide, with untreated dental caries being among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the incidence of oral cancer was within the top three of all cancers in some Asian-Pacific countries in 2018.

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WOMEN AND GIRLS! NEWS: WEDNESDAY 24TH AUGUST 2024...

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WOMEN AND GIRLS! NEWS: WEDNESDAY 24TH AUGUST 2024...

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Shocking NEWS just in for women and girls in Afghanistan. As of Wednesday, 24th August 2024, New laws are being enforced that women and girls in Afghanistan are to completely hide their faces and not use their voices in public. These laws are being enforced by the Taliban that took over Afghanistan in 2021 after the fall of Kabul.

This news is shocking, and being a citizen of Australia, where I have freedom of speech, it is unbelievable to think women and children are suffering. This new law goes against all fundamental human rights, and my sympathy goes out to all women and girls in this absolute mess! THE WORLD NEEDS TO WAKE UP!!!

References

'Sound of a female voice' banned in public across Afghanistan as UN decries virtue laws. (2024, August 27). ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-27/taliban-bans-womens-voices-faces-in-public-afghanistan-un/104273178?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

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The Taliban has banned women in Afghanistan from showing their faces or speaking in public, in laws described as a "distressing vision" for the future of the country by the United Nations.

The Taliban on Monday rejected concerns and criticism from the UN over new vice and virtue laws which ban women from baring their faces and having their voices heard in public spaces.

Kimia Yousofi, who says she "represents the stolen dreams and aspirations" of Afghan women oppressed by the Taliban, will compete in the 100m in Paris.

Roza Otunbayeva, who heads the UN mission in the country, UNAMA, said on Sunday the laws provided a "distressing vision" for Afghanistan's future.

She said the laws extend the "already intolerable restrictions" on the rights of women and girls, with "even the sound of a female voice" outside the home apparently deemed a moral violation.

Zabihullah Mujahid, main spokesman for the Taliban's government, in a statement warned against "arrogance" from those who may not be familiar with Islamic Sharia law, particularly non-Muslims who might express reservations or objections.

"We urge a thorough understanding of these laws and a respectful acknowledgement of Islamic values. To reject these laws without such understanding is, in our view, an expression of arrogance," he said.

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers last Wednesday issued the country's first set of laws to prevent vice and promote virtue.

They include a requirement for a woman to conceal her face, body and voice outside the home. They also ban images of living beings, such as photographs.

Penalties for violations included "advice, warnings of divine punishment, verbal threats, confiscation of property, detention for one hour to three days in public jails, and any other punishment deemed appropriate," the Justice Ministry added.

"After decades of war and in the midst of a terrible humanitarian crisis, the Afghan people deserve much better than being threatened or jailed if they happen to be late for prayers, glance at a member of the opposite sex who is not a family member, or possess a photo of a loved one," Ms Otunbayeva said.

In response to the UNAMA statement, Mr Mujahid added, "We must stress that the concerns raised by various parties will not sway the Islamic Emirate from its commitment to upholding and enforcing Islamic Sharia law."

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said the laws were "efforts to silence the voices of Afghanistan's women and girls", and condemned the Taliban's introduction of them.

The Taliban have used their interpretation of Islamic law to bar girls across Afghanistan from education beyond age 11, ban women from public spaces, exclude them from many jobs, and enforce dress codes and male guardianship requirements.

The Taliban's restrictions on women and freedom of expression have drawn sharp criticism from rights groups and many foreign governments since the former insurgents resumed control of Afghanistan in 2021.

"Day by day, they are trying to erase women from society," said a 37-year-old housewife in Kabul.

"The silence of the international community regarding the actions of the Taliban is encouraging them to create new laws and restrictions every day," added the woman, identified just by her first name, Halema.
AP/Reuters/ABC

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'Sound of a female voice' banned in public across Afghanistan as UN decries virtue laws

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Virtue laws introduced by the Taliban ban women from speaking or showing their faces in public as a senior UN official called it an extension of the "already intolerable restrictions" on Afghan women.

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Domain 1: Clinical Expert. Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice (1.4)...

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Domain 1: Clinical Expert. Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice (1.4)...

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When referring to the competency standards 1.4("Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians January 2019," 2019), it is essential that I, as a nurse, consider the needs of the patient's family involvement through consent, treatment and follow-ups while building trust and acknowledging their unique blend of cultural traditions and differences. I always consider that each patient has a complex history and do not make assumptions about my nursing interventions.

As a nurse, I want to learn from these experiences with families about their culture's customs to broaden my knowledge and become a culturally safe nurse that my patients can trust and have a positive experience in my care.

References

Competency Standards framework for clinicians January 2019. (2019, January). Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership. 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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Traditional health belief of Afghanistan- no contraception!!..

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Traditional health belief of Afghanistan- no contraception!!..

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A traditional health belief in Afghanistan is not using contraception to prevent multiple pregnancies or slow down conception. One method is to continue breastfeeding the youngest child as a natural preventative method, but this is no guarantee as a preventative measure. Using no contraception is a religious belief in Afghanistan, and most families still believe that more children in the family are considered better fortune even though the country is in an economic crisis. Free family planning is offered in Afghanistan, and yet families have an opinion that this isn't the best option for them, even though the risk of women and children experiencing medical complications and even death as an outcome is high (Shafiqullah et al., 2016,).

References

Refugee and migrant health. (2019, December 20). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/health-topics/refugee-and-migrant-health#tab=tab_1

Shafiqullah, H., Morita, A., Nakamura, K., & Seino, K. (2016). The family planning conundrum in Afghanistan. Health Promotion International, daw081. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daw081

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Refugees and migrants often come from communities affected by war, conflict or economic crisis, with vulnerabilities related to the condition of their journeys such as inadequate access to food and water, sanitation and other basic services. They are at risk of communicable diseases, accidental injuries, hypothermia, burns, unwanted pregnancy and delivery-related complications, and various noncommunicable diseases. Moreover, refugees and migrants are at risk of poor mental health outcomes. Refugee and migrant health are also strongly related to the social determinants of health in host communities (e.g., employment, income, education and housing).

To promote public health protection for them and the host populations, refugees and migrants should have equitable access to quality health services, free of discrimination, exclusion and stigma. In addition, appropriate multisectoral public policy responses are required to address the social determinants.

Refugees and migrants also play a key employment role in the provision of health and social services, and access to health services for the populations recognizes this contribution and contributes to social well-being and cohesion.

The WHO Health and Migration Programme (PHM) works with countries to promote the human right to health and access to quality and culturally appropriate health services, with adequate social and financial protection.

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Famous Afghanistan Meal - Kabuli Pulao...

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Famous Afghanistan Meal - Kabuli Pulao...

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The national dish of Afghanistan is called kabuli pulao. This is a dish that's considered traditional to families because it's made to celebrate special gatherings and festive celebrations.

This is a traditional meal with slow-cooked lamb, rice, carrots, and raisins, using authentic spices such as cumin and char masala to add flavor and an authentic rich taste.

This beautiful colorful dish is served as part of a banquet as a side dish to other recipes or in the center of the table as the main dish. Kabuli Pulao is special in Afghan culture because of the quality of the ingredients.

References

Seddiq, M. (2023, August 30). Kabuli pulao recipe - Afghan national dish. Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

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Afghan Dopiaza is a meat dish close to the hearts of all Afghans. It is my favorite Afghan meat dish. My mom will always use lamb when she can, but this can be made with beef or goat. picture of Afghan Dopiaza Dopiaza means Onions Two Ways The signature flavor of this...

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Kabuli pulao recipe - Afghan National Dish

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Afghan Dopiaza is a meat dish close to the hearts of all Afghans. It is my favorite Afghan meat dish. My mom will always use lamb when she can, but this can be made with beef or goat. picture of Afghan Dopiaza Dopiaza means Onions Two Ways The signature flavor of this...