SUPREME SECURE: Improving maternal health care access

SUPREME SECURE is a global health project working to improve care for pregnant women and newborns. 

SECURE stands for ‘Sustaining Equitable Care and Universal Resources for pre-eclampsia and anaemia.’ This work is part of a broader initiative called SUPREME, a US$52.5 million program funded by Unitaid (with additional support from the Gates Foundation) to improve maternal health outcomes across multiple countries. SUPREME stands for Sustained Uptake of Products for Pre-Eclampsia and Maternal Anaemia.

Improving access to life-saving care during pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy with maternal organ dysfunction) and anaemia (low iron levels) are major causes of illness and death for women and babies worldwide. While effective treatments and diagnostic tools exist, many women (especially in low- and middle-income countries) cannot access them in time. 

SUPREME SECURE aims to improve access to these life-saving tools and ensure they are available, affordable and used effectively in routine antenatal care. 

In this project, Burnet is conducting research on pre-eclampsia and anaemia diagnostics, together with our partners at:

• University of Ghana
• University of Cape Town
• University of Nairobi
• University of Melbourne.  

We contribute our expertise in diagnostics research, implementation research and supporting the effective and equitable delivery of maternal healthcare. Our work helps ensure that new and existing tools are used effectively and reach the women who need them most. 

SUPREME SECURE is designed to benefit pregnant women and their families, as well as health workers, health systems, governments and policymakers, and global health partners. 

The project is expected to run over 4 years (2026 to 2030). 

What SECURE aims to achieve 

SECURE aims to: 

• improve early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia and anaemia 
• increase access to affordable, quality-assured medicines and diagnostics 
• strengthen supply systems so essential tools are consistently available 
• support governments to scale up effective maternal health interventions 
• generate evidence to guide how these interventions can be delivered at scale 
• improve health outcomes for women and newborns. 

How SECURE improves access to tools and care 

SECURE works across the health system to improve both access to tools and how they are delivered. 

Increasing availability of essential medicines and diagnostics 

• Support the introduction and scale-up of key tools, such as blood pressure devices, anaemia diagnostics, magnesium sulfate, intravenous iron and low-dose aspirin.
• Ensure products are high quality, affordable and available in-country. 
• Strengthen procurement and supply systems.

Strengthening antenatal care services and health systems 

• Integrate these tools into routine antenatal care services. 
• Support training for health workers. 
• Work with governments to create policies and systems for national scale-up.

Building evidence to support scale-up and policy change 

• Conduct research to understand what works in different settings. 
• Use findings to inform policy and global guidance. 

Why improving care for pre-eclampsia and anaemia matters 

Each year, pre-eclampsia and anaemia contribute to the deaths of tens of thousands of women and hundreds of thousands of newborns globally. 

Many of these deaths are preventable. For example, magnesium sulfate can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia, yet access remains limited in many settings. 

SECURE focuses on overcoming barriers such as late diagnosis, supply gaps and limited training, which prevent women from receiving timely, effective care. 

Where SECURE is being delivered 

SECURE activities will take place in: 

• Ghana 
• Kenya 
• Malawi 
• Senegal 
• Tanzania. 

Some activities will also be delivered in Nigeria and South Africa.