Government is to campaign to reduce the number of adults with multiple sexual partners after a marked rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Between 2003 and 2007, the rate of chlamydia infection increased by 86 percent, according to Government statistics.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome told MPs in the House of Assembly: "A recent review of surveillance data by the Department of Health's epidemiologist further confirmed that we continue to have unacceptably high rates of infection with STIs on the Island."

Mr. Bascome said in 2008, more than 549 STIs were recorded, based on data from doctors, the Department's clinics and the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Department of Pathology.

But he added: "As there is underreporting, the numbers and rates are likely to be an underestimation of the true burden of disease."

The Minister said the sexual health of the Island's residents posed "significant public health challenges".

Through the Well Bermuda Strategy, the Department of Health reported an increase in STIs from 461 in 1999 to 642 in 2005.

While cases of gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis and non-gonoccocal urethritis/non-specific urethritis (NGU/NSU) remained "constant", cases of chlamydia rose.

Although more sensitive testing was introduced in 2004, the Minister said in 2007, 30 percent of the 531 reported cases concerned young people aged ten to 19.

"This should concern," said Mr. Bascome.

"Although we are aware of the consequences of sexually transmitted infections, namely HIV/AIDS, we have become complacent.

"Although the teen pregnancy rate has declined somewhat over the years, the rate of sexually transmitted infections has increased amongst our young people.

"Sexually transmitted infections are far more common than most people think. They are the most commonly reported infectious diseases in Bermuda."

He added more awareness was needed. In 2006, six percent of adults reported having more than one sexual partner but only two-thirds of them said they used a condom in their last sexual encounter.

"Only 49 percent of adults said they had been tested for HIV. I am not optimistic that these figures have changed significantly," said Mr. Bascome.

The Department of Health's National Health Promotion Strategy 'Well Bermuda' has now identified four objectives. Mr. Bascome said: "These include: decrease the proportion of adults with multiple sexual partners; increase condom use among sexually active adults with multiple partners; increase the proportion of adults who have been tested for HIV; and increase the proportion of adolescents who know that STIs can be contracted from a single sexual encounter."