Penny Patterson

We started our last day in Siem Reap learning more about the serious landmine situation in Cambodia and the broader world. I was shocked at the vast amount of territory that exists today that is still deemed hazardous from uncleared landmines and other unexploded devices. Today Cambodia has an estimated 4-6M land mines and other unexploded ordinances caused by over three decades of civil war and war with Vietnam.
APOPO is a non-profit known for its use of African giant pouched rats, nicknamed "hero rats," in detecting landmines and tuberculosis. There are plenty of rats in Cambodia, and they are a stable of the diet here. However, their average lifespan is only 5 years old. These African rats are sourced and trained in Zimbabwe and live up to 9 to 10 years old. They are a better candidate for this job, as it takes 9 to 12 months to train them. They also train dogs, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois primarily, but the rats are more lightweight and the primary focus of this project.

The story of APOPO began when Bart Weetjens, co-founder of the organization, developed a special relationship for the rodents he kept as childhood pets in Belgium. Years later, this relationship would yield more than just friendship: it would offer the opportunity to help change a world where landmines pose a threat to life and progress in 60 countries and where tuberculosis affects millions of lives across the world every year. APOPO was officially established as a Belgian NGO in 1997.

These hero rats are highly trained to detect the scent of explosives. They are lightweight and able to safely traverse minefields without triggering the mines. Under the guidance of APOPO's expert trainers, the rats learn to scratch at the ground once they detect the presence of explosives, indicating to their human handlers where the mines are located. The handlers then work to safely deactivate or remove the mines.

Hundreds of thousands of square meters of land have been made safe for local communities, allowing them to farm, build infrastructure, and live without fear. This has promoted economic growth and improved living conditions for the affected populations.

Furthermore, APOPO's hero rats are also utilized in the detection of tuberculosis. TB is a significant global health issue, especially in resource-limited settings. The rats are trained to sniff sputum samples provided by clinics. They can identify the distinctive scent associated with TB, enabling rapid and accurate screening. This process is both cost-effective and faster than traditional laboratory methods, aiding in TB control efforts.

The success of the APOPO hero rat program in Cambodia has resulted in its expansion to other countries facing similar challenges. Today, APOPO operates in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Colombia, and the most recent conflict in Ukraine. By leveraging the rat's olfactory capabilities, APOPO continues to save lives, support local communities, and contribute to a safer and healthier world.Read more