Prematurity (being born before 37 weeks of gestation) is the leading cause of newborn mortality, responsible for the deaths of over one million newborns each year. WHO has set out recommendations for effective management of preterm babies and for improving the quality of data available on preterm births, but context-specific policy and implementation gaps have impeded success. Using a mixed-method approach, this study aims to identify the social determinants of mortality in preterm infants in 25 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), using data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Additionally, interviews with policymakers from a selected LMIC, Ethiopia, were conducted to gain a contextual understanding of the policymakers’ perspective regarding factors contributing to preterm neonatal mortality, perceived gaps in existing healthcare systems, and barriers hindering the improvement of preterm care and survival. By combining quantitative data with the qualitative perspectives of policymakers, this research aims to bridge the gap between research findings and effective policy implementation, ultimately improving the survival and well-being of preterm newborns in LMICs.