A high level of infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCY) has long been recognized
in rural Egypt .The roles and practices of informal sector health care providers were
studied in two Egyptian villages, focusing on practices which might be associated
with the transmission of the blood borne hepatitis C virus (HCY), especially unsafe
needle and instrument use. In the study areas many people resort to male providers
for injections, dentistry, wound treatment and male circumcision; traditional birth
attendants oversee at least half of all births; "injectionists", ·barbers and staff at
pharmacies also perform services that may be associated with HCY transmission.
These providers know little about HCY, but are willing to learn and to upgrade their
practices. As villagers trust these providers and continue to visit them even if primary
health care facilities are accessible near by, efforts should be made to upgrade their
practices in order to prevent the transmission of HCY. As the informal providers are
widely used and trusted by the local people, they should be mobilized in the effort to
prevent the transmission of HCY in Egypt.