Hydeia Broadbent, HIV/AIDS activist, dies at 39

HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent dies at 39 after living with AIDS since birth, spreading hope and positivity through education.

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Hydeia Broadbent, a beloved friend, mentor, and daughter, who lived with AIDS since birth. Her father, Loren, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, expressing the family's grief at losing Hydeia. Despite the many challenges she faced, Hydeia remained steadfast in her mission to spread hope and positivity through education about HIV/AIDS.

Hydeia became a well-known public figure after her appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Maury Povich Show," "Good Morning America," and other media outlets. Her impact on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS has been immeasurable.

According to her website, Hydeia was adopted after being abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. At the young age of three, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive, which later progressed to AIDS. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to spreading awareness and promoting prevention of HIV/AIDS, advocating for abstinence and safe-sex practices.

In her own words, Hydeia wrote, "People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you are aware and informed. I use my testimony as a warning of what you don't want to go through."

HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, weakens the immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection, as explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

In recent years, there has been a decline in HIV cases, particularly among young people, according to a report from the CDC in 2023. This decline has been most notable in gay and bisexual males, who account for 80% of HIV infections in that age group. The number of infections in this group decreased from 7,400 in 2017 to 4,900 in 2021.

Hydeia Broadbent's legacy will continue to inspire and educate people about the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Her impact on the world will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

This story was reported from Los Angeles, with contributions from FOX News.