Canadians often beam with pride at the idea that they’re among the nicest people on earth. A recent survey suggests there might actually be some truth to back up this long-held assumption.

According to the “World Vision Index of Concern,” a poll conducted by Ipsos-Reid, Canadians rank as the most compassionate toward people affected by HIV and AIDS.

The survey polled citizens of seven of the world’s most prosperous countries to determine which nation has the highest level of empathy for those infected with HIV and AIDS globally.

Canada tops the charts, followed by other G8 members including, France, Germany, United States, Italy, United Kingdom and Japan. 

Well-informed Citizens
Not only do Canadians lead the ranks in terms of compassion, they also score the highest in their self-assessed knowledge about AIDS globally. Seventy-one per cent say they have “some” or “a lot” of knowledge about international HIV and AIDS issues.

“As Canadians, we can take pride in the fact that we are well informed and that information translates into measurable compassion for those affected by AIDS,” says Dirk Booy, executive vice president of World Vision Canada. “That is critical in a world where 5,700 adults die of AIDS each day.”

Global Consensus
One of the more surprising findings of the survey was that nine out of ten adults agree that, “even if we cannot prevent more people from being infected with HIV and AIDS, we have a moral obligation to try.”

This is promising, considering more than 25 years after the HIV virus was first discovered, one-third of people polled in the seven nations admit they know little or nothing about the global pandemic.

Call for Action
Although Canadians are informed about HIV and AIDS and concerned about its effects, they don’t feel that the government shares their concern. Seventy-three per cent believe that the government should do more to help the 12 million children orphaned by AIDS-related illnesses around the world. 

If you would like to join World Vision’s Justice Network to stay aware of global issues and help influence government, click here.

To make a tangible difference, click here to sponsor a child who is affected by HIV and AIDS.