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Apopo Annual Report 2019, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO originated from the idea of its founder Bart Weetjens to trains rats for the detection of landmines. Now, over 20 years later, APOPO deploys rats to find landmines and tuberculosis in many affected countries, and continues innovating to use its African Giant Pouched Rats in the battle against other scourges.

APOPO trains these ‘HeroRATs’ using positive reinforcement – they receive tasty treats when they identify a target scent. HeroRATs are at the core of the organization and it’s reflected in the way they are protected and responsibly raised.

Our Training and Research center is based at the foothills of …

Apopo Annual Report 2018, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO is a non-profit organization with roots in Belgium. For 20 years we have trained African giant pouched rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis around the world. APOPO trains the ‘HeroRATs’ using positive reinforcement – they receive tasty treats when they identify a target scent. HeroRATs are at the core of the organization and this is reflected in the way we protect them and provide loving care and attention.

The main hub of the organization, the Training and R&D center, is located in Tanzania, where all the HeroRATs are trained before being sent to global operations. This is where all …

Apopo Annual Report 2017, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO is a global nonprofit organization that researches, develops, and implements scent-detection technology to combat global humanitarian issues. APOPO’s detection rats currently detect landmines or tuberculosis in 5 affected countries around the world.

The rats are trained through clicker/reward methods, receiving tasty food treats when they identify explosives or tuberculosis. They are never harmed, because they are too light to actually set off any landmines and are cared for under strict animal welfare guidelines.

APOPO has mine action programmes in Angola, Cambodia, and Mozambique and is preparing operations in Zimbabwe and Colombia. APOPO also detects tuberculosis in Tanzania and Mozambique, …

Apopo Annual Report 2016, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO is a global non-profit organization registered in Belgium that researches, develops and implements detection rat technology for humanitarian purposes. Detection rats, nicknamed HeroRATs, save lives by detecting landmines and tuberculosis. APOPO is headquartered in Tanzania and clears landmines in Mozambique, Angola and Cambodia, and soon in Zimbabwe. APOPO also detects tuberculosis in Tanzania and Mozambique and soon in Ethiopia. APOPO’s research and development center is based in Tanzania.

Apopo Annual Report 2015, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

I first met the amazing HeroRATs in 2008 when I was an APOPO deminer detecting landmines in Mozambique. I had been invited to APOPO’s HQ and Training & Research Center in Tanzania and was about to embark on my new career as a Mine Detection Rat Handler. Although I had worked with trained dogs before I was still amazed at the rat’s abilities; their speed and accuracy. The Tanzania team taught me about scent detection theory and technology, as well as animal welfare and veterinary skills. In return I told them about the suffering in my country. At that time, …

Apopo Annual Report 2014, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO is an organization geared for positive social impact through the energy and dedication of our people. In 2014, with over 800 staff we nurtured and supported new, diverse and passionate talent from all over the world. As Chairwoman of APOPO I am pleased to introduce you to them, as well as share with you the news of our successes and challenges.

Sustainability is integral to our work and we aim to improve people’s lives by breaking down the barriers to development. Testament to this is almost two and half million square meters of mine-free land we handed back in …

Apopo Annual Report 2013, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

2013 has been a busy year once again for the APOPO mine action team. In Mozambique APOPO has been instrumental in clearing Gaza Province of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) to the point where Gaza has been declared “Impact Free”. The teams have since been deployed to other Provinces within the country to continue their efforts with the aim of assisting Mozambique to achieve full compliance with its Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention obligations by December 2014.

In Angola, APOPO has partnered with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and is providing our unique Mine Detection Rats (MDRs) to assist with …

Apopo Annual Report 2012, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

In 2012, APOPO’s Mine Action Mozambique program delivered beyond set requirements and exceeded the expectations of the country’s national demining authority. APOPO fi nished its work in the Gaza province and declared it free of known minefi elds a year ahead of the initial schedule of 2013. This excellent achievement was realized due to the successful expansion of the program’s capacity. During the handover ceremony, HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium commended the work in Gaza as “a shining example of how national priorities can be achieved with the right partnerships, sustained effort and, most importantly, sheer human intent”.

The focus …

Apopo Annual Report 2011, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

A landmine survivor recently said of APOPO’s work in Mozambique: “There is happiness our land has been returned to us, freedom of grazing for livestock, no restrictions on where we walk. The mines have been a serious problem but we have already seen a reduction in people losing their lives. We are very happy.”

This, in a nutshell, is why we do the work we do. Hearing the feedback of villagers in affected regions – whose lives have changed for the better as a result of our humanitarian actions – verifies how immensely important our mission is.

The success of …

Apopo Annual Report 2010, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

In 2010, APOPO accelerated its organizational growth and development, a necessary investment to expand the reach of our live-saving work in the coming years. In Mozambique, our Mine Action team doubled in size, aiming at an even faster return of mine-free land to the people of Mozambique.

APOPO welcomes Håvard Bach as its Head of Mine Action, adding new insights and a vast experience in the field of humanitarian demining to the team. Expanding into new mine-affected countries, APOPO prepared a Mine Action program for Angola and initiated collaboration with the Thailand Mine Action Center on land release, in order …

Apopo Annual Report 2009, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

In 2009, APOPO has made tremendous progress in reaching its mission to become the Centre of Excellence in detection rats technology and achieving social impact for underprivileged communities and people in Africa.

Implementation of the strategic plan and transformation process, which was started in 2008, has improved both APOPO’s internal structure and operational outputs. These changes have strengthened the management team and fostered the formation of strategic partnerships that will provide the basis to further enhance the impact of APOPO’s life-saving technology and facilitate the sustainable growth of the organization.

However, the most tangible results of this year can be …

Apopo Annual Report 2008, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

2008 was a year of transformation and consolidation for APOPO.

Besides the technical achievements in the training and research programmes, APOPO went through a phase of restructuring and strategic revision of future plans. I firmly believe that this collective effort will result in a more sustainable social enterprise with a higher social impact in the future.

I am also proud to say that the long anticipated output of the Mine Detection Rats finally materialized in Mozambique, and we are confident this will trigger more operational deployment of the Mine Detection Rats in the region soon.

The research carried out with …

Apopo Annual Report 2007, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO’s 10th year anniversary was marked with some major achievements and prospects.

In Mozambique, the APOPO Mine Action Program is now a full contributor to the National Demining Programme.

In Tanzania, the Tuberculosis detection rats are performing very well. They are finding, on a weekly basis, patients not detected with conventional methods, enabling follow-up for early treatment.

The breeding and training programmes were improved leading to higher efficiencies.

APOPO was given international recognition and exposure: its founder, Bart Weetjens, was awarded by Ashoka and Schwab Foundation.

APOPO was also endorsed by 11 Heads of States in the International Conference of …