HEALTH CAMP 2025.

Theme: Empowering Healthy Living Tailors

Date: 28th June 2025

Venue: St. Stephens Hospital – Mpererwe

Organizer: Uganda Tailors Association (UTA)

Organization details.

Uganda Tailors Association (UTA), founded in 2012, is an umbrella organization representing tailors across Uganda. UTA is committed to promoting the growth and development of the tailoring industry by providing training, resources, advocacy, and a network for tailors throughout the country. UTA also works to enhance the livelihoods of tailors by improving their skills, advocating for fair work environments, and creating opportunities to showcase Ugandan craftsmanship both locally and internationally.

1. Background:

Tailors in Uganda form a crucial segment of the workforce, contributing significantly to the local economy and creative industry. However, they often face health challenges due to the nature of their work, including prolonged sitting, exposure to repetitive motions, poor lighting, and lack of access to adequate healthcare. These factors can lead to musculoskeletal issues, eye strain, respiratory issues, and other occupational hazards. Additionally, many tailors face financial and time constraints that prevent them from seeking regular health check-ups or treatment, further exacerbating these health risks.

Uganda Tailors Association (UTA) recognizes the need to address these health challenges and therefore has organized a Tailors Health Camp on 28^th. June 2025 which is designed as a comprehensive outreach program that will provide essential health services and promote wellness among tailors. This initiative seeks to create awareness, deliver free health screenings, and offer preventive and corrective healthcare services to support the well-being and productivity of Uganda’s tailoring community.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of the Tailors Health Camp are to:

1. Provide Essential Health Screenings: Offer free screenings for common health issues such as musculoskeletal pain, vision impairment, respiratory conditions, and blood pressure management.
2. Raise Awareness of Occupational Health Risks: Educate tailors on the health risks associated with their work and practical ways to prevent them.
3. Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage healthy practices, including proper posture, ergonomic workspaces, exercise, and preventive care.
4. Enhance Productivity: Improve the overall health of tailors, leading to better productivity, fewer sick days, and a stronger workforce.         
5. Promote UTA’s commitment to its members’ well-being and social responsibility.

3. Target Audience

The primary target audience for the Tailors Health Camp includes:

• Tailors: Both members of the Uganda Tailors Association and non-members, including independent tailors, apprentices, and employees of tailoring businesses.
• Vocational Training Institutions: Students and instructors in tailoring programs who may benefit from learning about preventive health practices.
• Local Community Members: Family members and dependents of tailors who may also access certain health services at the camp.
•  Vulnerable groups (women, children, and elderly

Target Audience

4. Key Activities

    a). Health Screenings

• Musculoskeletal Check-ups: Screening for back, neck, and shoulder issues common among tailors.
• Vision Tests: Basic eye exams to detect vision impairments due to prolonged close-up work.
• Respiratory Health: Screenings to assess respiratory issues e.g. TB caused from fabric dust exposure.
• General Health Assessments: HIV/AIDS tests, Blood pressure and blood sugar tests, along with BMI assessments.

b). Occupational Health Education

• Workplace Ergonomics: Demonstrations on setting up ergonomic workstations to reduce strain.
• Posture and Movement Tips: Guidance on proper posture and periodic stretching exercises.
• Eye Care Tips: Techniques for reducing eye strain, including proper lighting and breaks.

c). Preventive Health practices

             Diet and Nutrition: Sessions on affordable and nutritious diets for busy artisans.

• Mental Health Awareness: Discussion on managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and resources for mental wellness.
• Exercise and Physical Activity: Aerobics, zumba dance, Simple exercises that tailors can incorporate into their routine to stay active and reduce stiffness.

Health Services:

1. General medical consultations

2. HIV/AIDS testing and counseling

3. Optical screening

4. Orthopedics services

5. Malaria testing and treatment

6. Health education and awareness sessions

Mental health and stress management techniques

7. Cancer screening and TB Screening

8. Blood donation

9. Family planning

5. Expected Outcomes:

• Improved Health Awareness: Tailors gain knowledge on occupational health risks and the importance of regular check-ups.
• Early Detection and Treatment: Early identification of health issues enables timely interventions, preventing serious complications.
• Healthier Work Environment: Tailors adopt ergonomic and preventive practices, contributing to a safer and more productive workspace.. Strengthened partnerships between UTA, healthcare providers, and local authorities.
• Increased Productivity: Healthier tailors result in a more productive workforce with reduced absenteeism and improved job
•  Strengthened partnerships between UTA, healthcare providers, and local authorities.

6. Partnerships and Support

To ensure the success of the Tailors Health Camp, UTA seeks collaboration with:

• Healthcare Providers: Local hospitals, clinics, and opticians to conduct screenings and provide expertise.
• Government Agencies: Partnerships with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development to support health initiatives for artisans.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs specializing in occupational health, eye care, and mental health to provide specialized support and resources.
• Corporate Sponsors: Private sector organizations interested in supporting local economic development, community health, and artisans.

Probable Partners:

Ministry of Health

Local hospitals and healthcare providers

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

UNICEF

Miss Uganda 2023-2024

Mulago Hospital,

St. Stephens Hospital

Marie stopes Uganda

Reproductive Health Uganda

Uganda cancer institute.

Uganda AIDS commission.

Uganda Red Cross Society

Blood bank

Kampala Capital City Authority

7. Approach:

1. UTA will form a health camp organizing committee.
2. Partnerships will be established with healthcare providers and stakeholders.
3.  Venue and logistics will be arranged.
4. Promotional materials will be distributed.
5. Health services will be delivered on the designated day.
6. Create awareness through posters, radio, social media, and word of mouth within tailoring communities.
7. Set up various stations for different health checks.
8. Ensure clear signage and guidance for participants.
9. Post-Camp Follow–Up, Sharing results and reports with participants and recommend next steps if needed, Send feedback forms for continuous improvement and Plan future periodic camps based on learnings.

8. Budget and Resources

A detailed budget is attached, outlining costs for medical personnel, screening equipment, educational materials, refreshments, logistics, and promotional activities. Contributions from sponsors and partners will directly support the delivery of health services and enhance the overall impact of the Tailors Health Camp.

9. Guidelines

1.  Respect and maintain confidentiality of other participants’ health information.
2.  Follow instructions from healthcare professionals and camp staff.
3. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and chewing tobacco are strictly prohibited at the health camp space.
4. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene within the camp premises.
5. Report any medical emergency to camp staff immediately.
6. Treat others with respect and dignity.
7. Avoid harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior.
8. Comply with camp rules and regulations.
9. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
10. Provide qualified healthcare professionals.
11. Maintain participant confidentiality.
12. Address participant concerns and feedback.

10. Conclusions

The Tailors Health Camp underscores Uganda Tailors Association’s commitment to supporting the well-being of Uganda’s tailoring community. By addressing the occupational health challenges specific to tailors, this program seeks to improve both their health and productivity, contributing to a more resilient workforce within Uganda’s creative sector. Through this health camp, UTA aims to build a culture of wellness within the tailoring industry, fostering a sustainable, healthy, and empowered tailoring community.

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