#1 HIV AIDS

Men who have sex with men continue to be at increased risk for HIV infection. Safe sex using condoms and non-petroleum-based lubricants has been proven to reduce the risk of both getting and transmitting HIV. Although HIV is now a disease that can be managed, there is still no cure, and preventing infection remains the key to ending the epidemic.

Men who have sex with men should get regular HIV tests and appropriate risk-based counseling about safe sex practices and ways to reduce risk.

#2: Anal Papilloma

Gay men are at high risk for getting the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause anal papilloma and certain types of anal cancers. Some men may benefit from a vaccine to prevent HPV from being transmitted. Also, some health professionals recommend routine anal pap smears to screen for cancer. HPV can be treated, but it often comes back, and infections spread easily between sexual partners.

Men who have sex with men should be screened for anal papilloma. Gay men under age 27 should get the HPV vaccine.

#3: Hepatitis Immunization

Gay men are at increased risk for getting hepatitis, a disease of the liver. Hepatitis can cause serious health problems, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. You can be immunized against two of the three most serious hepatitis viruses: A and B, and this is recommended for all gay men. Safe sex, which reduces the risk of transmission of all types of viral hepatitis, is the only way to prevent transmitting hepatitis C.

Men who have sex with men should be immunized against Hepatitis A & B.

#4: Substance Use

Gay men abuse substances at higher rates compared to others. Substances used include amyl nitrates (poppers), amphetamines (including crystal meth), marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine. Use of these drugs has been linked to higher rates of HIV transmission through impaired decision making during sex. Although the long-term effects are unknown, evidence suggests that prolonged use of these substances is likely to have serious negative health consequences.

Men who have sex with men should be screened for substance use and get appropriate education and risk-based counseling.

#5: Depression and Anxiety

Men who have sex with men have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to others. These problems are often worse for men who are closeted or don’t have adequate social support. As a result, gay teenagers and young adults have an increased risk of suicide. However, culturally sensitive mental health services can help prevent and treat these problems.

Men who have sex with men should be screened for signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and should seek appropriate mental health services as needed.

#6: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Men who have sex with men are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. These include infections for which there are effective cures (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pubic lice or crabs), as well as those for which treatments are more limited (HIV, hepatitis A, B, or C, human papilloma virus). Safe sex, including the use of condoms, is key to preventing STDs.

Men who have sex with men who are sexually active should be routinely screened for sexually transmitted diseases.

Episode 1

Nkechi looked at herself in the mirror as she turn her behind and shook it. She smiled happily as she gazed at herself. She hailed herself, calling herself praise names. Looking at her skirt she felt that it was too long though it was beneath her knees. She quickly pulled it so as to expose her laps. She nodded happily and wink at herself. She took her purse and left to visit her friend.

     Nkechi met Vin through Facebook and they have been chatting for close to six months and even doing video calls. As time went on, Vin invited her to visit him at his base at Asaba so as to know each other more. So on that Sunday, Nkechi lied to her family that she was going to her classmate's birthday party and left to visit Vin.

She boarded a bus from Anambra and went to Asaba to see Vin. She was quite satisfied with her skimpy dressing because she was sure that Vin will salivate when he sees her. She continued smiling at herself even as other passengers glance at her. It has been six days since Nkechi left home yet she was not yet back. Her family were in the state of disarray as they do not know where to search for Nkechi. They have met the classmate she told them was doing birthday but were disappointed when they learnt that nothing of such happened. Luckily for them Nkechi discussed with Rose her friend about Vin though Rose discouraged her from going but Nkechi refused to heed. It was Rose who disclosed everything to Nkechi's parents. Without wasting time, they traced Vin and apprehended him. At first he denied ever knowing anybody called Nkechi but when they showed him her pictures he immediately recognized her but denied meeting her on that Sunday.

   Vin was manhandled and kept inside the cell but he refused to open up. He continued denying ever meeting Nkechi.

He agreed that he invited her over but told them that Nkechi didn't show up again. Nkechi's parents vowed that it is either he provide their daughter for them or he rot in jail

roTo be continued