Ruqia Mohamed
As a first-generation Australian Somali, my life has always been intertwined with the threads of family, culture, and faith.
Growing up, our home was filled with laughter, shared meals, and endless conversations. These elements of our close-knit family life were the foundation of my upbringing, instilling in me a passion for community and a deep sense of belonging.
Little did I know that these experiences would pave the way for my journey into public health advocacy.
My father’s bravery and determination are the bedrock of my character and inspire me every day. During the civil war, he made the heart-wrenching decision to leave behind his pregnant wife, two toddlers, and his mother to find a safe place to relocate us. He sacrificed his education and life for our safety and future.
When my family first migrated to Australia, the excitement of a new beginning was tempered by the daunting challenge of navigating an unfamiliar world.
I watched my mother, a pillar of strength, face the greatest hurdles. With limited English and no prior knowledge of the healthcare system, she often found herself overwhelmed.
As a young girl born in Australia, I stepped into the role of her interpreter and advocate. I remember sitting in doctor’s offices translating complex medical jargon into words my mother could understand.
At times, even I didn’t understand the medical terms that I had to interpret.
One afternoon, we were at a community health centre and the doctor was explaining a new medication. My mother looked at me with a mix of confusion and concern, pleading for clarity. I did my best to translate the doctor’s words into our native language.
It was in that moment I realised the profound impact of health literacy. The ability to understand and engage with healthcare information is not just a convenience – it’s a lifeline.
These experiences were lessons in resilience and the importance of clear communication. They unveiled a broader issue that many diverse individuals face: the challenge of navigating a healthcare system filled with unknowns.
The barriers to treatment, the lack of cultural awareness, and the internal stigmas within our communities compound these challenges. Witnessing these struggles firsthand ignited a fire within me to be a catalyst for change.
Driven by these early experiences, I completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a major in Public Health and am now pursuing a Master of Public Health, specialising in Global Health Leadership.
My academic pursuits, combined with hands-on experience, have deepened my understanding of the health disparities often rooted in socio-economic factors, cultural differences, and systemic biases.
These barriers hinder access to quality care for many, and as someone who has lived through these challenges, I feel an urgency to dismantle them.
My goal is to help create a healthcare landscape that is inclusive, culturally competent, and sensitive to the unique needs of diverse populations.
Public health shapes our lives in countless ways, both significant and seemingly trivial. From the safety of the water we drink, to the noise control regulations that ensure our neighbourhoods remain peaceful, public health initiatives are woven into the fabric of our daily existence.
The presence of fluoride in our tap water, for instance, helps prevent tooth decay, while food safety standards ensure that our meals are safe to eat. Public health campaigns promote mental health awareness, and thoughtful design of public spaces encourages physical activity.
These efforts, though often unnoticed, play a crucial role in enhancing our quality of life.
I often reflect on my mother’s resilience and determination, which have been a constant source of inspiration for me to foster a healthcare environment where individuals, regardless of their background, feel understood, respected, and receive the care they deserve.
I am especially grateful for the Public Health Association of Australia’s internship program, which has been an invaluable experience.
This opportunity has allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings and contribute to impactful policy projects, further fuelling my commitment to creating a more equitable healthcare system.
Pursuing public health is not just about fulfilling a personal passion, but contributing to a collective effort to ensure that healthcare serves everyone equitably.
By bridging language gaps, advocating for cultural competence, and promoting health literacy, I hope to create a healthcare system where everyone feels valued and cared for.
This is my commitment to the community, my family, and the countless individuals who navigate the unknown every day.
Ruqia Mohamed is a 2024 PHAA Intern.
Image: Supplied / Ruqia Mohamed
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