Traditional Sudanese cuisine, influenced by Arab traders in the 7th and 8th centuries features rich and varied flavours (Sudanese Kitchen, n.d.). Staple dishes include Foul Medames, Kisra, Gourrassa, Kamounia, and Shaiyah (Hamid, 2022). I have chosen Shaiyah, a popular dish made with beef, goat, or lamb, grilled or pan-fried, and seasoned with cumin, coriander, paprika, and black pepper (Chef's Pencil, 2021). Served at celebrations like festivals and weddings, Shaiyah symbolises hospitality and togetherness (TasteAtlas, 2023). It is often paired with Kisra, a fermented flour bread known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-cholesterol benefits (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, n.d.).

Reference

Cambridge Scholars Publishing. (n.d.). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/pdfs/978-1-5275-9313-8-sample.pdf

Hamid, M. (2022). Most popular foods in Sudan. Chefs Pencil. https://www.chefspencil.com/most-popular-foods-in-sudan/

Sudanese Kitchen. (n.d.). Sudanese Kitchen. https://www.sudanese.kitchen

TasteAtlas. (n.d.). Shaiyah. TasteAtlas. https://www.tasteatlas.com/shaiyah

Sudanese music historically concerned performances amongst men and women in Sudan. They often involved the use of musical instruments such as drums, lyre (string), horns, rituals, and involved casual dancing alike in other African societies (Hashim, 2009). This blog post will focus on the traditional instruments in Sudan.

The Rababa or Tambour is an important traditional instrument of Sudanese culture. It is a drum and is known for its deep, resonant sound. The instrument is played at Sudanese celebrations and ceremonies used for people to dance to or during songs (Music in Africa, 2023).

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). South Sudan: The arts. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Sudan/The-arts#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20traditional%20style,of%20Arabic%20and%20African%20rhythms.

Hashim, A. (2009). Traditional Music of the Sudan: A Cultural History. Khartoum University Press.

Hassan, R., & Shaw, T. (2020). The cultural politics of Sudan: The role of music in national identity. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3836394

Music in Africa. (2023). Traditional music instruments in Sudan. Music in Africa. https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/traditional-music-instruments-sudan

In Sudan, traditional clothing differs depending on gender.

Men usually wear the jalabiya, which is a long, loose robe in light colours to stay cool in the heat.

They pair it with a headdress (Akem Foundation, n.d.).

Women wear the toob, which is a cloth that they wrap around a shirt and skirt or pants. The toob shows their cultural identity with different patterns and colors. Women can decorate the toob with embroidery or rhinestones. Older women typically wear white toobs, while younger women wear multicolored ones (National Clothing, n.d.). This clothing shows their social status and is important for special events and everyday wear (National Clothing, n.d.).

References

Akem Foundation. (n.d.). Women's and men's clothing in Sudan. Akem Foundation. https://www.akem.org.tr/post/women-s-and-men-s-clothing-in-sudan

Cultural Diversity Resources. (n.d.). Spotlight on culture #38. Cultural Diversity Resources. https://www.culturaldiversityresources.org/single-post/spotlight-on-culture-38

National Clothing. (n.d.). National dress of Sudan: Men prefer loose-fitting robes and women use wrap-around cloths. National Clothing. https://nationalclothing.org/africa/35-sudan/49-national-dress-of-sudan-men-prefer-loose-fitting-robes-and-women-use-wrap-around-cloths.html#google_vignette

Traditional medicine is highly popular in Sudan and across Africa, with approximately 80% of the African population relying on it for primary health care (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2017). In Sudan, about 90% of the population depends on traditional medicine due to limited access to hospitals, high healthcare costs, and nomadic lifestyles (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2017). Common Sudanese medicinal plants include Adenia javanica, used for swellings and wounds, and Adansonia digitata, for diarrhea, malaria, cold, and amoebic dysentery. Traditional medicine is integral to Sudanese culture and spirituality. Studies suggest integrating traditional and modern medicine could enhance healthcare effectiveness (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2017).

References

African German Youth Academy. (n.d.). Traditional Sudanese medicine for modern drug development. African German Youth Academy. https://agya.info/research/research-projects-by-year/traditional-sudanese-medicine-for-modern-drug-development

Karar, M. G. E., & Kuhnert, N. (2017). Herbal drugs from Sudan: Traditional uses and phytoconstituents. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 11(22), 83-103. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev_15_15

I endeavour to apply Competency Standard 1.1 from Domain 1 of the ‘Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice’ framework. I hope to achieve this by trying to understand and integrate my patients' cultural health beliefs and preferences into their care (Competency Standards Framework, n.d.). I will ensure I acknowledge patients with a cultural background and learn about their specific health beliefs by actively asking questions about their preferences and traditional practices. This will ensure I am mindful of being respectful of their culture and values and provide person-centered care at all times. This approach ensures that I consistently respect each patient's cultural values and provide care that is centred around their individual needs to build repor, trust and make patients feel safe (Competency Standards Framework, n.d.).

References

Competency Standards Framework. (n.d.). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds competency standards framework for clinicians.https://www.examplelink.com

Social determinants of health are non-medical factors, relating to how a person's environment and conditions can impact their health outcomes (World Health Organisation, n.d). For this blog post, I have chosen income and how Sudanese refugees can experience a lack of social inclusion and non-discrimination when entering Australia. Studies highlight that refugees with a higher income are associated with higher levels of social inclusion, can establish new connections, take part in community activities and have access to essential services (Journal of Refugee Studies, 2021). Furthermore, refugees entering Australia with a higher income will receive better education and healthcare opportunities leading to a lower chance of stigma surrounding them due to poverty. This can lead to higher-income earning refugees experiencing less discrimination than a lower income refugees (Journal of Refugee Studies, 2021).

References

Elham A. Shayan, K. L. T., & M. D. Moore, L. (2023). The impact of dietary sodium reduction on the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Journal of Rural and Community Health, 34(3), 3164-3172. https://doi.org/10.1093/jrs/34.3.3164

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

The health issue of immunisations is common among refugees due to a lack of access to healthcare in Australian refugee camps or their country of origin (Vaccine, 2017). If a Sudanese refugee were to arrive in Australia, they would be at high risk due to their forced migration experience (Refugee Health Network Victoria, n.d). Treatment options for this health concern are indicated in the Refugee Health Guide which states that health professionals need to complete a comprehensive assessment, review their immunisation history, screen for any gaps in immunisation history and identify any special conditions that could affect a person's immunisations (Refugee Health Network Victoria, n.d.). Furthermore, the Sudanese refugee may require catch-up immunisations and through abiding by the Australian immunisation schedule, a tailored schedule should be made for individuals (Refugee Health Network Victoria, n.d.).

References

Refugee Health Guide. (n.d.). Immunisation. Refugee Health Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/immunisation/

Refugee Health Network. (n.d.). Refugee Health Network. https://refugeehealthnetwork.org.au

Roth, J. M., & Figueiro, M. G. (2017). Immunization in low-income countries: A review of the impact of immunization programs on health and development. Vaccine, 35(48), 6587-6594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.09.068