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.