APOPO: Pioneers in Landmine and Tuberculosis Detection
- Bale Huy
- Feb 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 29, 2024
APOPO is a global non-profit organization that has revolutionized the field of landmine and tuberculosis detection through the training of African giant pouched rats, affectionately known as ‘HeroRATs’. Founded in 1997, APOPO’s innovative approach harnesses the rats’ extraordinary sense of smell to detect landmines and diagnose tuberculosis, making a significant impact in post-conflict countries and communities affected by these threats.
Activities
APOPO’s activities span across various countries, with a focus on research, development, and deployment of scent detection technology. Their HeroRATs and HeroDOGs are trained to ignore scrap metal and only detect explosive scent, which speeds up landmine detection significantly. In the medical field, APOPO’s TB detection rats can examine 100 samples in 20 minutes, a task that would take a lab technician up to four days.
Price
Visitors can experience APOPO’s work first-hand at their Visitor Center in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The center offers different tour options:
Joint Tour: $10 per person
Private Tour (1-4 people): $30 per person
How to Get There
The APOPO Visitor Center is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Provincial Road, Kouk Chak. It’s easily accessible by local transportation or tuk-tuk from the city center.
How to Book
To book a tour at the APOPO Visitor Center, you can email visitor.center@apopo.org or call +855 81599237/+855 61799237. It’s recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
Contact
For further information or inquiries, you can reach out to APOPO through their main contact channels:
Email: visitor.center@apopo.org
Phone: +855 81599237/+855 61799237
Address: Trapeang Ses Village, Kouk Chauk Commune, Koumai Road, Siem Reap 171253, Cambodia.
Open Hours: Everyday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last tour begins at 4:30 PM)
APOPO’s work not only saves lives but also empowers communities by returning safe land back for development and freeing people from the burden of serious illness. Their efforts continue to inspire and pave the way for innovative solutions in humanitarian aid.
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