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/

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

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

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.

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

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/

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