A related commentary discusses this research. It states that although this meta-analysis focuses on mortality after tuberculosis, the overall burden of disability and morbidity after tuberculosis probably affects even more people and is very poorly characterised. The need for follow-up after completing treatment for many conditions is clear and this meta-analysis highlights the need for tuberculosis survivors to be provided with continuing care after treatment. This continuing care is not only a medical need, but also a chance to prevent other morbidity and mortality. Follow-up should include assessing and treating morbidity after tuberculosis, providing surveillance for recurrence and sequelae, and addressing risk factors for preventable mortality, including comorbidities and social determinants. It seems inevitable that to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality after tuberculosis, interventions must be multidisciplinary, addressing psychosocial, economic, and biomedical factors.