The prevalence of negative birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight are disproportionately distributed across the globe, with significantly higher rates in low- and middle-income countries. Specifically, 91% of low birth weight and 60% of preterm birth cases are in low- and middle-income countries, with the greatest prevalence in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the two geographic areas that are home to the Aga Khan University, where these research efforts took place. Research in these areas has been notably limited and thus, this investigation will broaden scientific understanding of health disparities in this unique population.