RELIGION THEY FOLLOW-

Islam is the official religion of Afghanistan and the majority of the population is Muslim (approximately 99.7%).

REFERENCE - INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE [https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/uncategorized/information-about-our-afghan-community]

1.00 Australian Dollar =

48.007049 Afghan Afghanis

1 AFN = 0.0208303 AUD

REFERENCE- https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=AUD&To=AFN

INGREDIENTS

2–4 tbs char masala (recipe here)

2 teaspoons cumin seeds

1.5 lb lamb

350 grams julienned carrots

250 grams of raisins

1/4 C sesame oil

2  sliced onions

4 chopped garlic cloves

salt

2 Tablespoons of sugar

3 Cups Rice 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse your rice. You want to make sure the water runs clear. This cloud water is the starch you that don’t want. Makes for sticky rice. (Good for other dishes, not this one) Let the rice soak.

2. Next, we are going to prepare the lamb. Break out your instapot, pressure cooker, or regular pot. Add your sesame oil and heat.  Add your onions. Add your roughly cut garlic. Cook for 30 seconds and then add cumin.

3. Next we will add our lamb. Then add tablespoon of salt. Finally, add 3 Cups of water. I cook in my instapot for 25 minutes on high pressure. If you cook in a regular pot it will probably take about an hour. You want the meat to be fork tender.

4. While your meat is cooking, next cook your carrots and raisins. Add to pan some vegetable oil. Then, add your shredded carrots. This will not take long, cook until soft. Place on your foil. 

5. Next, your raisins. I soak mine in hot water for about 5 minutes. Then, you will drain and add to the same pan you cooked the carrots in. This will go quick. Only cook for about 30 seconds. Then add them to the foil with your carrots and wrap into your foil packet to add to rice later.

6. Boil a large pot of salted water. Take your rice that you have rinsed and soaked and add to the boiling water. This is a step you have to watch. I can’t give you an exact amount of time to cook the rice. But, you are only partially cooking your rice. If you fully cook it you will have mushy pulao. On average 4 minutes should get you there. If you can break the rice in your finger you are done. Then, drain your rice.

7. Next, we are going to make our sugar solution to add a caramel color to our rice. In a pan add quarter cup of vegetable oil. Add your sugar. Let the sugar darken. Add 1/2 Cup of water, set aside.

8. Take your meat out of the broth when done cooking. Now it is time to assemble everything. Take a big pot and add half of your rice to the bottom. Then, add your lamb. Then add last of the rice. After that, use a few scoops of the lamb broth, add the sugar mixture, and char masala.

9. Poke some holes in the rice with the handle of a spoon. This will allow steam to release better. Take your packet of raisins and carrots and place in pan on top of your rice. I cover mine with more foil then put lid on rice.

10. Cook on stove top on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes.

 REFERENCE - https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Afghan people may seek traditional herbalists (hakim) who practice Unani medicine, a system of alternative traditional medicine. Spiritualists may also be first sought out by Afghans for healthcare.

• Muslim clergy (known as Mullahs) perform rituals, blowing the breath of healing while reciting prayers.

According to -

 Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center’s Cultural Quick Reference Guide

• Some believe illness is God’s way of testing individuals and family, and they may believe that recovery requires prayers, fasting, or gifts to charity.

 • Others believe that illness is caused by supernatural forces called ‘jinns,’ defined as a non-human being made of smokeless fire.

 • Afghans also believe in natural causes of illness that include dirt, wind, or cold weather. Traditional Afghan medicine involves humoral imbalances such as “hot” and “cold.”

 • TB is viewed by Afghans as a cold and moist condition that is treated with dryness and warmth. Treatments may include adjustments to food or climate. The practice of cupping could also be used to treat TB.

• Poorer Afghans, including those who live in rural areas, are more inclined to believe in superstition and magic.

 • Although there are not strict Islamic beliefs in Afghan societies, many elements of pre-existing practices have now become part of Afghan religion and culture.

REFERANCE-https://sntc.medicine.ufl.edu/

Ghazni, an important market town, particularly famous for embroidered sheepskin coats, was the dazzling capital of the Ghaznavid Empire from 994-1160 - encompassing much of northern India, Persia and Central Asia. Many campaigns into India were launched from here, resulting in the spread of Islam to the East. This glorious city was razed to the ground by Arab invaders in 869, by the Ghorid Sultan Alauddin in 1151 and by Genghis Khan in 1221.The city did not recover its former grandeur, however, it is still a place for many famous Shrines.

Bamyan

Bamiyan, with its archaeological remains, is the most conspicuous tourist site of Afghanistan. It is also one of the safest places to visit compared to other locations within the country. The city lies about 2500m above sea level, 240km west of Kabul and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The exquisite beauty of this valley is embraced by the snowcapped range of the Koh-e-Baba mountains in the south, and in the north by the steep cliffs, in which massive images of Buddha were carved. The Buddha Statues were unfortunately destroyed in March 2001, by the Taliban during their regime.

The area of Bamiyan developed under Kanishka the Great, to become a major commercial and religious centre and the smaller statue of Buddha (38m high) was built during his reign. Two centuries later the colossal Buddha statue (55m high) was carved. Thousands of ornamented caves, inhabited by yellow robed monks, extended into the Folladi and Kakrak valleys where a smaller statue of Buddha (6.5m) stands. Pilgrims from the entire Buddhist world pour into Bamiyan to admire its spectacular and sacred sites. Bamiyan fell to the Islamic conquerors in the 9th Century.

REFERENCE-https://www.afghanembassy.au/art-and-culture/travel-and-tourism.html

In my nursing practice, I strive to apply this competency by actively engaging in culturally sensitive communication with Afghan refugees. This involves understanding and respecting their cultural norms and practices, which can significantly impact their health care experiences. For instance, I make it a point to familiarize myself with cultural practices related to health and illness in Afghan culture, such as their traditional beliefs about health and their preferences for family involvement in care decisions.

I also use translation services and culturally appropriate educational materials to ensure clear communication and comprehension. This approach not only helps in building trust but also ensures that the care provided is respectful of and aligned with the patients' cultural values (Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework, 2020).

By integrating these practices, I aim to provide care that is both effective and respectful, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Reference: Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. (2020). Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians.

Afghan refugees arriving in Australia often face significant health challenges, including chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. According to the ‘Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide,’ hypertension is a prevalent issue among this population, exacerbated by factors such as stressful migration experiences and changes in diet (Refugee Health Network, 2022).

To address hypertension, the guide recommends a multifaceted approach that includes regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological treatment when necessary. Dietary changes, such as reducing salt intake and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, are crucial in managing hypertension. Additionally, providing education on stress management and encouraging physical activity can support overall cardiovascular health (Refugee Health Network, 2022).

Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the health impacts of hypertension and improve the overall well-being of Afghan refugees.

Reference: Refugee Health Network. (2022). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. Retrieved from Refugee Health Network website.

For Afghan refugees, social inclusion can be particularly challenging due to cultural and linguistic differences. Discrimination may exacerbate feelings of isolation and hinder their ability to navigate the healthcare system effectively. Ensuring that Afghan refugees have access to culturally competent services and support systems is crucial for improving their health outcomes and overall integration into the community (Wen & Lin, 2021).

Efforts to promote social inclusion, such as community outreach programs and anti-discrimination policies, are essential for fostering a supportive environment where refugees can thrive and access the care they need.

References: Wen, M., & Lin, W. (2021). Social inclusion and health outcomes among refugees: The case of Afghan migrants. Journal of Refugee Studies, 34(2), 312-329. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Social Determinants of Health: Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination. Retrieved from WHO website.