APOPO
“Initiated in response to the global landmine problem APOPO recognised that most mine-clearance techniques in use were slow and expensive. The humanitarian community had called for a more efficient method for the detection of landmines and un-exploded ordnance (UXO) in order to facilitate the repatriation of refugees and distribution of emergency aid.
An analysis of the landmine problem was made with a special focus on sub-Sahara Africa, which is more affected by landmines than any other region in the world. It became clear that landmines posed a structural barrier to any development. Beyond what is also known, vulnerable communities remained dependent on imported expertise to address the complex problems of landmine detection and clearance of suspected areas.
Unexploded ordnance or UXOs/UXBs aka UO explosive weapons include bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, land mines, naval mines that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, potentially many decades after they were used or discarded.
The idea of using rodents for mine detection was the outcome of a creative process, in which the goal was set to find an appropriate detector sustainable within the African environment, and enabling empowerment of African communities to reduce dependency on foreign aid. APOPO found a suitable rodent species in the Giant African Pouched Rat (Cricetomys gambianus), it has a widespread presence in sub-Saharan Africa, has a long life span, and is resilient to most tropical diseases.
APOPO set out to develop an appropriate detection rat technology, based around the Giant African Pouched Rat. The results of a two-year initial research phase strengthened their reasoning to use this species for humanitarian detection tasks in Africa. A group of wild rats were captured and put through a captive breeding programme.
The rats were domesticated, and a humane training protocol was developed based on the principles of positive behaviour reinforcement. Once proof of principle was achieved, APOPO transferred the project to Tanzania to develop the technology together with its African partners in the cultural context in which it would be used.
HERO Rats
All items release a specific scent, or odour signature that comes from volatile compounds within that item. Many animals, including dogs, pigs, and even insects, are very good at distinguishing among these scents and this evolved ability aids their survival by helping them find food, avoid predators, and interact socially.
APOPO use the giant African pouched rats for scent detection since its sense of smell is its primary sensory modality. Rats have an extraordinarily high number of functional genes related to odour detection. They are hardy animals that are easy to maintain humanely, they learn quickly, and they do not bond to handlers.
Apart from mine detection, APOPO has a programme currently in its training and research phase for Tuberculosis (TB) lab rats that are being trained to detect the TB agent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, in human sputum samples. The rats frequently indicate and identify TB positive samples among the TB negative samples that came from the DOTS ((Directly Observed Treatment Strategy) centres. These samples are returned to the laboratory for re-examination by microscopy, and a large number of them are confirmed as TB positive.
APOPO conducts research using methods of analytical chemistry, behavior analysis, and ethology to clarify the variables that influence rats’ scent detection and to develop and extend humanitarian applications of its scent-detection technology. This work depends heavily on local labor and other resources and focuses on producing sustainable technologies appropriate for use in developing countries.
APOPO’s founder Bart Weetjens is a product development engineer. He initiated the idea to train rats as an appropriate technology to detect landmines and to screen for tuberculosis. Bart founded APOPO with support from Professor Mic Billet and his colleagues at Antwerp University, and has since been elected both an ASHOKA fellow and a SCHWAB fellow. He is a practicing Zen Buddhist monk.”
How You can Help
Work with APOPO, they look for qualified staff, also Students, Volunteers, those on academic sabbaticals and seek Institutional collaborations. ADOPT a rat or simply DONATE. Their work is inspirational and quietly life-saving.
