Challenge of hepatitis C in Egypt and hepatitis B in Mauritania

Table 1 Risk factors of the transmission of hepatitis C in Egypt through the healthcare system and proposed interventions

Risk factors	Proposed interventions
Needle stick injuries or other injuries	Institute infection control and occupational health programs in all healthcare facilities to reduce occupational exposure, protect against needle stick, and other healthcare related injuries Adequate education and training of healthcare providers Use of safety-engineered devices, such as needleless intravenous medication systems, blunted suture needles Use of needle disposal containers
Surgical or invasive interventions, dental procedures	Appropriate sterilization of surgical and dental instruments Good aseptic techniques practiced during invasive procedures Provide personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, face/eye shields, to be used during procedures with anticipated blood exposure
Exposure to medical equipment, hemodialysis machines and procedures	Strict infection control and prevention policies Universal precautions should be used when caring for all patients
Injection and IV insertion	Use of self-sheathing needles, needleless connectors, needleless intravenous medication system, and needle disposal containers
Blood transfusion from poorly screened individuals (false negative anti-HCV)	Universal screening of all donors
Organ donation	Universal screening of all donors

HCV: Hepatitis C virus.