Since the 1970s, UMB has been engaged in important public health initiatives around the world. In September 2009, the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) was formed as a nonprofit affiliate of UMB to support the implementation of UMB's international programs.

MGIC was established to support UMB activities and projects requiring specialized engagement and infrastructure to carry out UMB's mission globally. This includes when a sustained international presence is necessary to execute UMB research and other programs in the form of dedicated personnel, physical office space, a bank account, or similar infrastructure outside the US. 

As of 2022, MGIC has UMB-approved affiliates, known as “country offices,” in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Some of these affiliates are registered as separate corporations, while others are international branches. In addition, MGIC has registered international branches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti but does not currently operate in those countries.

International Operations administers the MGIC affiliates on behalf of UMB and activates the use of MGIC when appropriate for any department or unit to safely and effectively implement international activities on behalf of UMB.