Identifying Opportunity for Online Education to Address HIV/HCV Knowledge Gaps in Health Professionals and Students in Egypt

Abstract

HCV prevalence rates in Egypt are high. While low, HIV prevalence rates may be underreported. Adequate solutions to address these public health challenges are lacking. Stigma, misperceptions, and lack of specialized skills to deal with infection are persistent impediments. To address these challenges, we propose a plan that incorporates the use of online education and hybrid formats to meet the needs in the field. Online education has been used with success elsewhere in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Given the difficult economic conditions in Egypt and physical challenges of traditional formats of education, we propose a plan, curricular elements, and education tracking process as a strategy to improve the knowledge capacity of health professionals and students.