Humans of APOPO: Mihret on TB Detection Rats

Mihret, a 24-year-old rat handler from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been working with APOPO since 2017. With a background in hospitality and a deep admiration for the animals she trains, she is proud to be part of a close-knit, all-female team using innovative methods to fight tuberculosis.

“Before joining APOPO, I studied hotel management and worked as a waitress. I found out about the job at APOPO online. I was trained by my colleague Kewakibt, and I’ve been a rat handler ever since.

My day starts with cleaning the rats’ area, taking them out for exercise and play, and then guiding them through their work and training sessions. Afterward, I clean their enclosures and give them extra food. I enjoy every part of my work. It’s all meaningful.

My favorite rat is Julia. She’s very smart — my hero — and she never misses a known positive. I know she recognizes me, too. Each rat has a different character. Matthew is clever but fast and always hungry. Zaharo is smart, but not too much. Rosina is nearly perfect, just a little bit slower than the others, but we are patient with her.

People often think of rats as pests, so when I tell them what I do, they’re surprised. But once I explain, they become curious. My mom is especially proud of me. She works at a hospital as a purchaser and understands how important this work is.

I work with an all-female handler team. We support each other and work well together. That teamwork matters — we understand each other.

I’ve also seen how TB affects people. A friend of mine was sick and stayed indoors for almost a year. Thankfully, she’s recovered now. Seeing that kind of suffering makes me even more committed to the work we’re doing.

This job has changed how I see rats, science, and teamwork. I’m proud to be helping save lives.”