Sexual and Reproductive Health for Afghans

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Good reproductive health is not only vital for successful and healthy livelihood, it is also a human right. Poor reproductive health has been linked to other diseases and illnesses including mental health needs.

To maintain one’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) people need access to accurate information that empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their body and to protect themselves from any diseases or infections.

Discover how you can support SRH of Afghan newcomers with:

  • Tools to aid in translation and interpretation
  • Translated health education materials
  • Promising practices from around the country
  • Other resources from organizations doing great work

Sexual and Reproductive Health Glossary

The purpose of this Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Glossary is to provide a standardized reference tool of SRH terms, translated from English into Dari and Pashto, that have been culturally validated and reviewed by a group of Afghan subject matter experts.

It includes words and definitions in English that serve as a reference to ensure cross-cultural understanding of the terminology, as well as colloquial expressions in Dari and Pashto to complement medical terminology.

The glossary is intended for use by interpretation and translation companies, public health departments, and medical providers to help ensure consistent, culturally and linguistically appropriate translations of sexual and reproductive health terms. 


Preview of birth control options chart

Download:
English | Dari  | Pashto

Birth Control Methods Chart

In the U.S., birth control options usually focus on efficacy, but some people have different priorities when it comes to choosing contraception, for example, its effect on menstruation or even how discrete it is.

Our friends at the Reproductive Health National Training Center (RHNTC) created chart explaining birth control options at-a-glance. The chart covers efficacy, frequency of use, menstrual side effects, and other considerations. 

RHNTC recommends providers use this chart in discussing contraceptives and pairing it with counseling about STIs.

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Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs Assessments

Discover how Health Needs Assessments (HNAs) are addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by Afghan women in the U.S. Learn about tailored interventions and impactful findings to enhance healthcare accessibility and cultural sensitivity. 

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Culturally Responsive Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Care

This promising practice showcases the importance of a sexual assault nurse exam (SANE), with specialized training in identifying and addressing the medical needs of individuals who have experienced sexual violence. The overarching goal of SANE services is establishing a balance between a systematic and comprehensive health assessment and honoring and supporting the patient's agency, dignity, and cultural/linguistic traditions.

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Orienting Afghan Newcomers to Prenatal Care and Delivery in the United States

HealthPoint is a network of non-profit community-based health centers in Washington state that provides care to many communities, including newcomers from Afghanistan. Learn how the CenteringPregnancy model for prenatal care has helped provide health education and social connection for Afghan newcomers adjusting to life in the United States.

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