We are sad to report that Hydeia Broadbent one of the worlds youngest HIV activist has passed away.
According to outslf Hydeia was born with HIV but wasn’t diagnosed until age 3 and wasn’t expected to live past age 5.
She was 39 when she passed.
I’m sad to announce that renowned AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent passed away today. Over the years our paths crossed so much we became friends. Rest my sister Rest. Your legacy will live forever. Good and faithful servant well done ❤️???????? love you Deia pic.twitter.com/1IWoccZ81J
— Rae Lewis-Thornton (@raelt) February 21, 2024
Born and diagnosed in the mid-‘80s, there was little hope for baby Broadbent, or patients of any age, as America and the world was still trying to understand the basics, much less the nuances of the disease.
Broadbent beat the odds and is a long-term survivor.
She once said:
“I went through a period where I stopped taking my medication, I didn’t want to take my meds,” Broadbent said.
Even after effective drugs became available and eventually refined to the pills or injections we have today, there was a period when she was losing hope.
A dark cloud of stigma still hangs over the term HIV+ and it can take a toll your mental health.
“You’re not just dealing with HIV/AIDS,” she said. “We have to address a person’s mental state. If I don’t feel good and I’m not happy, and don’t want to get out of bed, I’m not gonna take these pills to save my life.”
I remember following Hydeia Broadbent Story from when she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show until now- What a beautiful soul. May Allah be pleased with her take your rest sis! pic.twitter.com/AFAD46bzy7
— Tamorah Shareef Muhammad (@ModestyQueen19) February 21, 2024
And
This is Hydeia Broadbent. One of the youngest HIV activist in the world from 1996. Her voice and spirit was incredibly human. Bless her life. pic.twitter.com/qNhlWttzKl
— Derrick Mapp (@6dm4) February 21, 2024
And
Hydeia Broadbent has passed away. I remember seeing her on tv when she was little & educating people about HIV/AIDS. pic.twitter.com/pzjYxo2FbR
— Yesha (@YeshaCallahan) February 21, 2024
May she rest in peace.
