Public attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Bulgaria show that a quarter of Bulgarians are ready to keep friendships with HIV-positive people, BTA reported. Men are slightly more tolerant than women (28% versus 23%). The data are from a national representative survey by Trend commissioned by the Health Without Borders association, which runs the only non-state-funded sexual health center CheckPoint Sofia. The survey was conducted November 8-15, 2024 among the adult Bulgarian population, through a direct standardized interview among 1,006 people aged 18+ and is representative of the population of Bulgaria in the 18+ age category.

The results show that Bulgarians still have difficulty accepting HIV-positive people in their personal lives and only 3% of respondents would marry an HIV-positive person. While 19% of the youngest (18–29 years old) respondents declare readiness for such marriage, this percentage drops to 8% among people over 60. The unemployed demonstrate the highest tolerance – 43%. 23% of people are ready to play sports with an HIV-positive person. The greatest tolerance is shown by residents of regional cities (28%) and university graduates (26%), while in villages the percentage is significantly lower (14%).