Bermuda will today join countries around the world as they observe the importance of sexual health.Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day is an annual event at this time of year, held in conjunction with National Sexual Health Week in Australia and National Condom Month in the United States.“These observances are normally held around Valentine’s Day which, as a day of celebration of love and affection, is an ideal time to encourage people to also consider the importance of sexual and reproductive health,” a Government spokeswoman said.More than 500 sexually transmitted infections were reported to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit last year.The infections reported included 380 cases of Chlamydia, 65 cases of Gonorrhoea, six cases of HIV, 61 cases of Herpes, and ten cases of Syphilis. People infected ranged from 14 to 80; 67 percent of the cases involved women.Radio advertisements will run throughout the week and free condoms will be distributed to various stores to raise awareness.“The Department of Health will use this opportunity to continue its campaign of Have the Conversation, which encourages persons to talk about sexual health with their partners, relatives, and healthcare providers,” the spokeswoman continued. “The Department of Health advises use of The Five Ps of Sexual Health to guide the conversation. This includes discussion about partners, practices, prevention of pregnancy, past history of sexually transmitted infections and prevention of sexually transmitted infection.”For more information call the Communicable Disease Control Clinic on 278-6442 or the Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic on 278-6441.