Bermuda's teen pregnancies are at the lowest point in two decades but the number of sexually transmitted diseases have increased.

According to Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball, the Department of Health's Senior Medical Officer, the most recent Health Department statistics show the teenage delivery rate decreased from 140 in 1990 to 37 in 2007.

But the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia in teenagers increased chlamydia cases rose from 73 in 2003 to 131 last year. The number of HIV cases and Syphilis cases in under 19-year-olds both rose, but the numbers went from zero to one.

Dr. Peek-Ball said the increase in STI's may not be due simply to riskier behaviour, but also increased and better testing could add to the numbers.

And she added while the Island should be proud of the reduced teenage pregnancies, we should also remain vigilant as social disorder that leads to gangs and gun violence could cause these to rise again.

She said: "It's important to note the fall in pregnancy rate has been steady over the last two decades since the 80s until last year.

"There has been a steady decline. In the 90s there was something like 140 and in 1997 it was about 76 annual deliveries.

"From April 2007 to March 2008 there were 37 total deliveries. That's just wonderful. Of course we want that number to be zero, but it's fairly well accepted that the unintended pregnancy rate will never be zero.

"It's an impressive fall. It's a similar trend in the United States as well. Most of it has to do with increased collaboration, at least in Bermuda, between different sectors. These include the Department of Education and Department of Health and the Department of Family Services."

Dr. Peek-Ball added: "However, when boys and girls don't have a solid educational standing they might not have the positive, bright future to keep them motivated from getting pregnant.

"There is a very strong correlation between opportunity to advance vocationally and pregnancy. And it's not just with teenagers. It's also related to those people under 30. So there will be new challenges in 2010 with young people. The same factors that led to gang violence can lead to other issues."

Marie Beach, the Healthy Schools coordinator, said she would also like to see an increase in the use of sexual education materials by schools.

Education about sexual health in the public schools begins as early as primary school, according to Ms. Beach, and would also be taught in middle and senior schools.

But she said she was concerned that some schools were worried or felt uncomfortable teaching the curriculum and so it would get cast aside.

She said: "I do know many schools are trying to include the sexual health module in their curriculum. I do know that senior schools historically have focused on it.

"But it does start in primary school though the teaching will be different from middle school and then in senior school. The schools do have a major influence on choices children can make.

"But it's up to the parent to assist in the process. They cannot take the onus off themselves. They are the primary caregivers but the education piece has to be delivered in some curriculum."