Global microbiome research is crucial for improving children's health worldwide, yet most studies are conducted in wealthy countries, leaving gaps in understanding the microbiota of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The gut microbiota of children and adults varies significantly by geography, and microbiome-based therapies developed in high-income countries may not be effective in LMICs due to differences in microbial composition. This article highlights the need for increased microbiome research in LMICs to address health issues like malnutrition and infectious diseases. The authors emphasize the importance of collecting diverse microbiome data, training researchers in LMICs, and developing local infrastructure to analyze samples and conduct clinical studies. They also call for long-term collaborations between researchers in LMICs and institutions in Europe and North America. The article discusses the potential of microbiome-based therapeutics, such as probiotics, and the challenges in developing them for LMICs, including the need for proper storage, computational resources, and trained personnel. To accelerate microbiome research in LMICs, the authors suggest establishing regional centers of excellence, developing microbial culture collections, and fostering international collaboration. These steps could help bridge the gap in microbiome research and lead to more effective treatments for global health challenges.Global microbiome research is crucial for improving children's health worldwide, yet most studies are conducted in wealthy countries, leaving gaps in understanding the microbiota of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The gut microbiota of children and adults varies significantly by geography, and microbiome-based therapies developed in high-income countries may not be effective in LMICs due to differences in microbial composition. This article highlights the need for increased microbiome research in LMICs to address health issues like malnutrition and infectious diseases. The authors emphasize the importance of collecting diverse microbiome data, training researchers in LMICs, and developing local infrastructure to analyze samples and conduct clinical studies. They also call for long-term collaborations between researchers in LMICs and institutions in Europe and North America. The article discusses the potential of microbiome-based therapeutics, such as probiotics, and the challenges in developing them for LMICs, including the need for proper storage, computational resources, and trained personnel. To accelerate microbiome research in LMICs, the authors suggest establishing regional centers of excellence, developing microbial culture collections, and fostering international collaboration. These steps could help bridge the gap in microbiome research and lead to more effective treatments for global health challenges.