The Island logged more than 450 cases of sexually transmitted disease last year, including seven cases of HIV, according to the Health Department.

The figures were released as part of a call for residents to open up and discuss sexual health with their partners and physicians.

Today is the Island’s fourth annual Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day.

Along with safe sex and open communication, the day is an occasion to highlight the resources provided by the Department’s Hamilton office, which include the Communicable Disease Control Clinic and the Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic.

In 2013, the Department recorded 322 cases of chlamydia, 70 cases of herpes, 40 cases of gonorrhoea and 11 cases of syphilis.

While 60 percent of sexually transmitted disease were diagnosed in people under the age of 30, 60 percent of people living with HIV are above 50.