A quarter of the world population is under 15 years of age and 90% of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This Mini-Symposium is designed as a space of knowledge exchange and debate. The aim is of better understanding the complexity of the current and emerging challenges to child health, and how networks, government, industry, philanthropy and academic partnerships can effectively collaborate in planning and delivering much needed health care to children in LMICs.