Afghanistan by

Traditional healing practises

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 00:27:12 UTC

For many years traditional healing practises have taken place in Afghanistan, as medical facilities do not exist in rural areas, or the people choose past existing methods. Mullahs perform ‘dam rituals’ which consists of blowing the breath of healing whilst saying prayers. Mullahs are also asked to write healing prayers on paper known as ta’wiz to be either consumed in water or sewn on a piece of leather which then is worn around the neck of the patient. A large amount of Afghan’s believes or follow in the path of herbal and homeopathic remedies or medicines, as medicine for women is extremely limited and seen to be not allowed. Traditional medicine has been around for decades, after it was brought in to Afghanistan from Greece.

Health concerns

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 01:32:45 UTC

Refugees from Afghanistan may present with several health concerns/problems. This could be from physical, internal, or mental. This could range from just iron deficiency, blood conditions due to the lack of meat and food security in Afghanistan. Immunisations is also a large concern, majority of refugees will either be unimmunised or under-immunised in Australia (Anon, n.d.). Refugees from Afghanistan may be immunised, but a large amount might not have record of it, meaning a immunisation test will need to be completed. A main health concern refugees from Afghanistan may present with is Mental Health, whether this may be in men, women, and children. Many adults and children will have experienced trauma, conflict, and family separation (Anon, n.d.). Significant human rights violations including torture as well as sexual and physical abuse could have occurred. Not only could mental health issues come from the original country they are migrating from but navigating a new life, language barriers, change in housing and employment can all be factors that play into one’s mental health (Anon, n.d.). Making sure the refugee has always support, which may be in person or on the phone. Advising good nutritional food and giving advice on sleep and relaxation strategies (Anon, n.d.).

Anon, (n.d.). Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health. [online] Available at: https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/.

WHO determinants.

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 02:22:33 UTC

Social Inclusion and non-discrimination can allow a refugee to feel welcomed, and involved in the community no matter where they are from (WHO, 2024). Both these social determinants have a positive impact on a refugee as you are not judging, or excluding just because they are not from Australia (WHO, 2024). Using both these determinants may avoid larger health care problems as they feel more welcomed and inclined to use our health care systems (WHO, 2024). If we didn’t go by social inclusion, and non-discrimination they would feel apprehensive to turn to the health care system which then will increase possible mental health problems/ wellbeing and poor health (WHO, 2024).

WHO (2024). Social determinants of health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1.

Afghanistan Cruisine

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 02:40:59 UTC

Afghanistan has elements of different countries surrounding it but Afghanistan’s cuisine is distinctively its own (McElroy, n.d.). Lamb and chicken are very popular with the Afghan lamb kebab being an extremely popular street food and Korma Stew being extremely popular also. Afghans consider rice the best part of every meal and Naan bread is almost eaten with every meal (McElroy, n.d.). Women are known to do all the cooking and preparation for the guests and family (McElroy,n.d.). The daughters are asked to help at 12 o’clock each day to get everything ready therefore the tradition is brought down into each generation.

An important tradition, and food culture in Afghanistan is called the ‘dastarkhan’ which consists of a group of dishes spread along a table cloth which may be on the floor, depending on the family (McElroy,n.d.). You will then be provided with a cushion to sit cross legged on, a plate will be provided, and bread will be used as a scoop for the food help with the right hand (McElroy,n.d.). This is just an insight on the way Afghans eat, and what they eat but there are many more traditional dishes.

McElroy, L. (n.d.). Customs and Cuisine of Afghanistan | Together Women Rise. [online] Together Women Rise. Available at: https://togetherwomenrise.org/customsandcuisine/customs-and-cuisine-of-afghanistan/#:~:text=Lamb%20and%20chicken%20are%20widely.

Music

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 02:57:11 UTC

Afghan music is influenced by the classical music traditions of India, Persia and Pakistan (Anon, 2016). The musical instruments include the Rubab, a dutar, a dambura lute and table drums (Anon,2016). The rubarb is considered to be the national instrument of Afghanistan (Anon,2016). The unique style of music was developed in Kabul based on the genre’s motivation from Hindustani music in the late 19^th century (Anon,2016). For decades Afghanistan has been in /experienced war, but after the Taliban reclaimed power, music was banned and musicians were forced to stop playing otherwise they would go into exile (Anon,2016). After this was announced the school of music in Afghanistan, moved to Portugal Spain as they could not continue in Afghan.

Anon, (2016). Afghan music | World Music Central. https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/afghan-music/#:~:text=Musical%20instruments%20include%20rubab%20(lute.

Top 3 women rights in Afghan

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 03:16:13 UTC

1. Restriction of freedom of movement and restrictive dress code.

Women are not allowed to move around in public spaces unless they are accompanied with a male relative (Medica Mondiale, 2022). They are not allowed to leave their house unless it is a urgent and have to wear their head to toe outfits (Medica Mondiale, 2022).

2. No protection for women

Women are being violently abused, and there is no protection for them whatsoever. There is no one to turn to for help, as every time a there is a ‘safe house’ it is ‘shut down’.

3. Girls and women are losing the right to education.

Since December 2022, women are no longer allowed to study. There are online classes/ courses you can undertake but women and female students are no longer permitted to sit the exams (Medica Mondiale, 2022).

Medica Mondiale (2022). Nine facts on women’s rights in Afghanistan. [online] medicamondiale.org. Available at: https://medicamondiale.org/en/where-we-empower-women/afghanistan.

Domain 1: Clinical Expert

georgalou03 — 2024-08-29 03:39:59 UTC

Personally, for myself the most relevant standard of the Domain is 1.1 (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). Knowing and developing 1.1 will allow myself to become a better nurse and allow the patient to not feel discriminated against. My understanding of this is through the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. In the medical industry or situation, I will be witnessing and experiencing relationships with people that may have a different background, religion, or mindset to myself, but I can’t let this get in the way with my work and caring as we are all equal. In the future I will not assume or conclude before caring for the patient, and I will treat everyone equally by using open language and non-discriminative language (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. [online] Available at: https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf.