Informal health providers and the transmission of hepatitis C virus: pilot study in two Egyptian villages.

The roles and practices of informal health care providers were studied in 2 Egyptian villages, focusing on practices which might be associated with the bloodborne transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the study areas, many people resorted to male providers for injections, dentistry, wound treatment and male circumcision. Traditional birth attendants oversaw > 50% of all births. "Injectionists", barbers and staff at pharmacies performed services that may be associated with HCV transmission. These providers knew little about HCV, but were willing to learn. As villagers trust these providers and visit them even if primary health care facilities are accessible, efforts should be made to upgrade their practices in order to reduce the transmission of HCV.