The Republic of The Sudan by Getrude Njeri

Traditional Medicine

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-26 18:53:07 UTC

According to WHO (2024), traditional medicine is the sum of the skills, knowledge and practices which are based on beliefs, theories and experiences that are indigenous to different cultures, for the diagnosis, treatment or management of illness. Africa boasts of its rich variety of flora, with species spanning tens of thousands (Hostettmann et al., 2000). In Sudan, plants such as Sarcocephalus latifolius are used for their flavonoid and phenolic components to treat diseases like diabetes (Osama et al., 2017). Spirituality is also incorporated into Sudanese traditional medicine as they recognize the individual to be wholesome and intervention addresses all aspects of the being, not just the ailing physical body part (Mohammed & Babikir, 2013).

References

Hostettmann, K., Marston, A., Ndjoko, K., & Wolfender, J. (2000). The potential of African plants as a source of drugs. Current Organic Chemistry, 4(10), 973–1010. https://doi.org/10.2174/1385272003375923

Mohammed, I. N., & Babikir, H. E. (2013). Traditional and spiritual medicine among Sudanese children with epilepsy. PubMed, 13(1), 31–37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27493355

Osama, A., Awadelkarim, S., & Ali, A. (2017). Antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential and phytochemical analysis of Sarcocephalus latifolius Sm. bark used in traditional medicine in Sudan. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1772-6

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024). Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine#tab=tab_1

Reflection on Cultural Responsiveness

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-26 20:57:31 UTC

While reviewing the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework, I realized that as clinicians we are mandated to be culturally competent and sensitive. Competency standard two of Domain 1: Clinical Expert challenged me to understand and respond to the unique challenges that patients from diverse backgrounds undergo (Munnings et al., 2019). I felt compassionate towards their circumstances and compelled to incorporate various tools and resources to deliver healthcare in a culturally responsive way (Munnings et al., 2019). As a clinical expert, I will strive to understand refugee and immigrant migration history as it relates to their health situation and family dynamics in gaining consent during consultations and procedures.

Reference

Munnings, K., Laidler, L., Ramsay Health Care Australia, O’Donovan, K., Patetsos, M., Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Phillips, C., Philp, A., Australian Government Department of Health, Schreiber, J., Sdrinis, S., Ward, K., Wright, M., Australian College of Nursing, Abbasova, G., & Sarafian, C. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. In L. Martinez & O. Dandash (Eds.), COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-26 21:35:32 UTC

According to the World Health Organization (2024), social determinants of health are non-medical factors that have an impact on a patient or individual’s health outcomes. “Social inclusion and non-discrimination” is one of the social determinants that have a significant influence particularly on Sudanese population which is the fastest growing community in Australia (Milner & Khawaja, 2010). Hatoss & Huijser (2010) assert that women in particular face gendered barriers to educational opportunities during resettlement through the humanitarian programme. This may negatively impact their capacity to access, understand and interpret health information. Sociopolitical context underscores refugees accultural and integration which positively affects their mental health (Murray, 2010).

References

Hatoss, A., & Huijser, H. (2010). Gendered barriers to educational opportunities: resettlement of Sudanese refugees in Australia. Gender and Education, 22(2), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540250903560497

Milner, K., & Khawaja, N. G. (2010). Sudanese refugees in Australia: The impact of acculturation stress. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 4(1), 19–29. https://doi.org/10.1375/prp.4.1.19

Murray, K. E. (2010c). Sudanese perspectives on resettlement in Australia. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 4(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1375/prp.4.1.30

Health Concern

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-27 10:45:46 UTC

Ineligibility for Medicare affects access to healthcare depending on mode of arrival and visa (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2024). Sensitive cases pending resolution which may take years, and confidentiality concerns affect communication with clinicians, interpreters, and other health agencies for fear of being returned to their home country (Phillips, 2014). In addition to high prevalence of Malaria, they experience mental health issues from traumatic experiences like war, famine and drought and may become suicidal. Women endure sexual assault within detention camps in transit countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya before arrival in Australia (Queensland Government, 2006). Family and community support liaising with a support service case worker can alleviate their trauma and facilitate access to care services.

References

Asylum seekers » Australian Refugee Health. (2024). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/asylum-seekers/

Phillips, C. (2014). Beyond resettlement: long-term care for people who have had refugee-like experiences. PubMed, 43(11), 764–767. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25393461

www.health.qld.gov.au. (2006). Community profiles for health care providers: Sudanese Australians. In Community Profiles for Health Care Providers [Report]. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/157378/sudanese2011.pdf

Food

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-27 12:06:27 UTC

Sudanese food features a wide selection of breads, stews, soups, pastries, salads and gravies. The main staple food is known as Kissra which is a wafer-like flat bread made from milled corn or sorghum and has a characteristic tangy taste (Eltigani & Habiballa, n.d). It is dipped in the stews and meats which are served on a seniyya or food tray and typically eaten with bare hands. In harmony with the hospitable nature of Sudanese people to friends, neighbors and strangers, the food on the tray is shared by everyone seating around it. This is followed by a drink of sweet coffee taken with sugary desserts (Republic of Sudan Embassy, London, 2024).

References

Eltigani, O., & Habiballa, L. (n.d.). And in Sudan, a famished food culture. The Third Rail. http://thirdrailquarterly.org/and-in-sudan-a-famished-food-culture/#:~:text=Sudanese%20cuisine%20consists%20of%20a,chicken%20are%20the%20preferred%20meats.

Visit Sudan (Travel & Tourism) : Republic of Sudan Embassy,London. (2024). https://www.sudanembassy.org.uk/sudanese-food/#:~:text=It%20is%20of%20importance%20to,central%20and%20Sudan%20in%20general.

Geography

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-27 12:59:58 UTC

The name Sudan was derived from bilad al-Sudan which means land of the blacks in Arabic. The country has Arabic population to the north practicing Islam religion, black Africans to the south holding traditional beliefs who vastly speak bantu dialects (Sikainga et al., 2024). The flag has four symbolic colours; Black symbolizes the name of the country itself, white signifies optimism and peace, red is reminiscent of the martyrs that fought for liberation while green reflects the Islamic religion which is ascribed to by majority of the populace (Queensland Government, 2006). Sudan boasts of more pyramids than Egypt, with the river Nile traverses its plains in the middle of Khartoum the capital city.

References

Sikainga, A. A., Collins, R. O., Economist Intelligence Unit, Spaulding, J. L., Sabr, M. E. D., & Al-Shahi, A. S. (2024, August 27). Sudan | History, Map, area, population, religion, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan

www.health.qld.gov.au. (2006). Community profiles for health care providers: Sudanese Australians. In Community Profiles for Health Care Providers. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/157378/sudanese2011.pdf

A Story of Hope

getrudenjeri6 — 2024-08-27 13:35:45 UTC

The Republic of the Sudan has undergone numerous hostile circumstances ranging from the fight for liberation, civil wars, drought and famine, as well as secession of South Sudan in 2011 thus no longer being the largest nation in Africa (Sikainga et al., 2024). Despite these dilapidating events, Sudan forges on with determination on various fronts. Its cultural diversity is unique with over 500 ethnic groups speaking more than 400 languages (Women for Women International, 2024). While most of the country is made of plains that perpetuate the nomadic lifestyle, the river Nile facilitates irrigation for agriculture and this could be the turning point.

References

5 things to know about Sudan | Women for Women International. (2024, April 10). https://www.womenforwomen.org/blogs/5-things-know-about-sudan

Sikainga, A. A., Sabr, M. E. D., Economist Intelligence Unit, Collins, R. O., Spaulding, J. L., & Al-Shahi, A. S. (2024, August 27). Sudan | History, Map, area, population, religion, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan/Agriculture-forestry-and-fishing