Support APOPO's HeroRATs' life-saving missions!

We are now halfway through the year, and what an incredible year it has been already, thanks to amazing support, such as yours!

In the last quarter, you may have seen HeroRAT Ronin in the news when we proudly shared that he had been awarded a Guinness World Records title for most landmines detected by a rat. Since then, we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible global response to his story.

Ronin's achievement has been reported by hundreds of media outlets worldwide. This level of global attention is a proud moment for APOPO, which has also provided a significant boost for our mission. It raises awareness of the life-saving work of our HeroRATs and highlights the innovative, cost-effective solutions we bring to humanitarian challenges around the world. 

If you saw the news, we hope you shared the very same sense of pride! 

Mine Action

In the last quarter, our HeroRATs have been diligently working in their countries of operation, detecting explosive remnants of war, and most importantly, clearing land for the communities we serve.

While it’s always exciting to see the HeroRATs’ tally of detected landmines and UXOs grow, the real success lies in the land they help confirm as safe. At APOPO, we know that mine action is about more than removing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) — it’s about restoring confidence, safety, and opportunity. Land release is the central aim of all mine action, encompassing detailed processes like non-technical and technical surveys, clearance, and the formal handover of land for safe, productive use. In areas like Preah Vihear, Cambodia, where agriculture is a cornerstone of life, this means enabling families to farm, build, and thrive without fear.

 Finding explosives is important, but just as vital is verifying where no threats remain. Every square meter of land released helps people return to their land with confidence, rebuilding lives, supporting livelihoods, and fostering long-term development.

The psychological impact of this work is equally profound. Peace of mind comes from knowing your home, fields, route to school, and pathways are safe to walk on. This emotional security encourages resettlement, community development, and the renewal of daily life. With your continued support, our HeroRATs continue helping to bring this peace to more people, one safe step at a time.

TB Detection

In tuberculosis detection, our HeroRATs continue to provide efficient and accurate diagnoses to patients in Tanzania and Ethiopia. At the heart of APOPO’s mission are real people like Desalegn, and we thought you may like to see how your support changes lives through his story. 

Desalegn is a 26-year-old security guard from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and his life took a turn when he fell seriously ill. He lost weight, suffered from a persistent cough, and struggled to keep working — but despite several visits to health centers, his illness went undiagnosed. The uncertainty dragged on for months, draining his energy and his hope.

Everything changed when his sputum was re-tested using APOPO’s HeroRATs. Our rats quickly flagged his sample as positive for tuberculosis (TB), prompting a laboratory recheck that confirmed the diagnosis. With the right treatment finally in place, Desalegn began to recover. Today, he’s healthy again and back at work, full of gratitude and looking forward to the future.

This is just one example of what our work is all about. Whether it's clearing landmines or diagnosing TB, APOPO exists to help people reclaim their lives. And with your support, we can reach even more individuals like Desalegn — people whose futures depend on timely, life-saving intervention.

Of course, none of these achievements would be possible without the dedication and support of generous donors like you.

Thank you so much for your enduring support, and we look forward to updating you next time!

Links:

• APOPO Website
• Ronin's world record news