Apopo

Apopo is a non-governmental organization that trains and deploys rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis. Founded in 1997 in Belgium, the organization's name is derived from the Swahili word for "explosion" or "blast," reflecting its mission to clear landmines and improve public health. Apopo's most well-known initiative involves using African giant pouched rats, also known as "HeroRATS," for their exceptional sense of smell and light weight, which prevents them from triggering landmines.

These rats are trained to detect the scent of explosives and indicate the presence of landmines by scratching at the ground. This method is significantly faster and safer than traditional manual mine detection. Apopo's mine detection units have been deployed in several countries affected by landmine contamination, contributing to demining efforts and making areas safe for communities.

In addition to mine detection, Apopo has developed a successful tuberculosis screening program using its rats. The rats can detect tuberculosis bacteria in sputum samples with high accuracy, offering a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tool, particularly in resource-limited settings. This program has screened hundreds of thousands of samples, leading to early diagnosis and treatment for many individuals. Apopo's work emphasizes the innovative use of animal intelligence to address critical humanitarian challenges.