The Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI) is proud to announce a major milestone in Uganda’s traditional medicine and research innovation landscape. The institute’s Beet Root Fortified Beverage Project, led by our dedicated research team, has received global recognition from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre.
Following a highly competitive, multi-stage selection process involving 1,175 submissions from all WHO regions, the World Health Organization officially notified NCRI that the innovation titled “Enhancing haemoglobin and ferritin levels in anaemia patients with fortified beet root (Beta vulgaris L.) beverage” has been selected among the Top 21 Finalists worldwide in the Health & Heritage Innovations (H2I) Global Open Call.
This recognition positions the beet root project as one of the most promising global solutions addressing anaemia using locally available, culturally rooted, and scientifically validated natural products.
Presentation at the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2025
The WHO further confirmed that this innovation has been selected for presentation at the Second WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, scheduled to take place 17–19 December 2025 in New Delhi, India.
NCRI is pleased to announce that Mr. Peter Ssonko, who submitted the application on behalf of the research team, will represent the institute in New Delhi to showcase this groundbreaking work before an international audience of scientists, policymakers, public health experts, and global innovators.
A Milestone for Uganda’s Traditional Medicine Research
This achievement underscores NCRI’s expanding contribution to evidence-based natural therapeutic innovations and highlights the potential of local resources such as beet root to contribute to global health solutions.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire beet root research team and especially to Mr. Ssonko for his initiative, commitment, and excellence in advancing the project to this global stage.
NCRI remains committed to supporting high-impact research, promoting safe and effective traditional medicine, and elevating Uganda’s innovation footprint on the world map.