Global microbiome research is critical for improving children's health worldwide, but current studies are heavily concentrated in wealthy countries, leaving many regions underrepresented. Less than 15% of global microbiome data comes from outside Europe and North America, despite the fact that over 85% of publicly available high-resolution gut metagenomes from children under four come from these regions. This imbalance limits the understanding of how the microbiome affects health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where conditions like malnutrition and infectious diseases are more prevalent. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human development and health. It begins to form at birth, influenced by the mother and environment, and its composition varies significantly depending on where people live. Disruptions to this microbiome can lead to health issues such as wasting and stunting. Research shows that the microbiome can be targeted for therapeutic interventions, but these must be developed with consideration of local microbial diversity. Studies in LMICs have shown that microbiome-based therapies can be effective. For example, a microbiota-guided food formulation improved growth in malnourished children in Bangladesh. However, treatments developed in wealthy countries may not work in LMICs due to differences in microbial composition and environmental factors. To address these challenges, the authors propose three steps: establishing regional centers of excellence for microbiome research, developing microbial culture collections, and fostering international collaboration. These steps aim to improve data collection, training, and research infrastructure in LMICs, ensuring that microbiome research benefits all populations. They also emphasize the need for ethical and equitable sharing of genetic resources and data to support global health initiatives. Ultimately, a more inclusive and diverse microbiome research approach is essential for developing effective therapies that can improve health outcomes worldwide.Global microbiome research is critical for improving children's health worldwide, but current studies are heavily concentrated in wealthy countries, leaving many regions underrepresented. Less than 15% of global microbiome data comes from outside Europe and North America, despite the fact that over 85% of publicly available high-resolution gut metagenomes from children under four come from these regions. This imbalance limits the understanding of how the microbiome affects health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where conditions like malnutrition and infectious diseases are more prevalent. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human development and health. It begins to form at birth, influenced by the mother and environment, and its composition varies significantly depending on where people live. Disruptions to this microbiome can lead to health issues such as wasting and stunting. Research shows that the microbiome can be targeted for therapeutic interventions, but these must be developed with consideration of local microbial diversity. Studies in LMICs have shown that microbiome-based therapies can be effective. For example, a microbiota-guided food formulation improved growth in malnourished children in Bangladesh. However, treatments developed in wealthy countries may not work in LMICs due to differences in microbial composition and environmental factors. To address these challenges, the authors propose three steps: establishing regional centers of excellence for microbiome research, developing microbial culture collections, and fostering international collaboration. These steps aim to improve data collection, training, and research infrastructure in LMICs, ensuring that microbiome research benefits all populations. They also emphasize the need for ethical and equitable sharing of genetic resources and data to support global health initiatives. Ultimately, a more inclusive and diverse microbiome research approach is essential for developing effective therapies that can improve health outcomes worldwide.