In December 2023, players of People’s Postcode Lottery, through funds raised and allocated by the Postcode Global Trust, generously awarded an additional £100,000 to APOPO. This humanitarian funding is part of a broader initiative to support longstanding charity partners in response to the increasing global cost of living and specific sector challenges. It’s a clear sign of players’ genuine commitment to making a difference in humanitarian efforts, particularly during such challenging times.
Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery
APOPO’s relationship with players has been a cornerstone of our operations since it began in 2014. In 2023 players of People’s Postcode Lottery raised £800,000 for APOPO. Contributions now totaling around £6 million over the years have significantly supported APOPO’s innovative approach to landmine clearance, and tuberculosis detection using the olfactory abilities of African giant pouched rats (aka HeroRATs) and technical survey dogs (aka HeroDOGs).
Unrestricted humanitarian funding
Since the beginning, player funding to APOPO has been unrestricted. This means APOPO has the flexibility to allocate these funds where they are most needed. Unrestricted funding is invaluable for charities like APOPO as it allows us to respond swiftly to changing circumstances, quickly invest in areas of greatest impact, and ensure the sustainability of our programs.
APOPO’s ongoing work, underpinned by funding from our donors, including that from players, has led to remarkable achievements in demining and community safety. To date, APOPO’s efforts have resulted in the destruction of over 160,000 landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERWs). We estimate this has directly and indirectly benefited over 2 million people in the countries where we work.
Communities in countries like Angola, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have experienced transformative changes thanks to APOPO’s Mine Action programs. Families have reclaimed their lands, children now walk to school safely, and local economies are thriving in areas once overshadowed by war and its consequences.
Other HeroRAT Applications
Additionally, APOPO’s HeroRATs play a role in addressing the global tuberculosis (TB) crisis, especially in areas with limited healthcare access. Their speed and accuracy in TB detection offers a cost-effective second-line screening method, even when laboratory tests have come back negative. Through our work in Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Mozambique, APOPO has contributed to identifying numerous TB cases initially missed by their clinics, allowing them to get on treatment, be cured and stop the spread of the disease in already vulnerable communities.
The additional £100,000 comes at a crucial time, helping APOPO navigate the financial challenges posed by the current global economic situation. This support will continue to drive APOPO’s efforts in war-torn and disease-stricken regions, where tour work is not just life-saving but also instrumental in rebuilding communities.
APOPO’s CEO, Christophe Cox (above), said, “We are so grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their continued support. APOPO will seek to make the best possible use of this additional humanitarian funding by applying it where it will have the biggest impact on our mission to keep people across the world safe and healthy.”
The entire global APOPO team expresses their heartfelt gratitude to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Their committed support is both a financial lifeline and a source of great encouragement for APOPO’s teams working across the globe to create a safer and healthier world.
