AUGUSTA -- HIV and AIDS are prevalent in Maine, according to the Maine AIDS Alliance. Attacking the problem will require leadership and doing more with fewer state resources.

That was the message Monday as AIDS prevention advocates and state government officials marked the 20th annual World AIDS Day at a State House ceremony.

More than 1,200 people in Maine are living with HIV and AIDS, according to the AIDS Alliance. And between 300 and 500 additional Mainers might be living with HIV unaware they are HIV-positive.

"These aren't just gay men," Maine AIDS Alliance Executive Director Andrew Bossie told the two dozen people gathered in the Statehouse's Hall of Flags. "These are people who have been married for years. These are IV drug users. These are members of our immigrant population."

World AIDS Day observances continue today in Augusta with a 5:30 p.m. service at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church on Winthrop Street.