Global elimination of trachoma by 2020: a work in progress

Within the trachoma community, there is considerable optimism about our prospects for achieving the elimination objective on time. Such optimism is based on the premise that we know, or are close to knowing, where and how best to intervene against trachoma, and have, or will garner, the resources and political will to undertake the interventions.

Contributions to this special issue underscore the impression that the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 is on track for success, as well as highlighting a few areas where further focused, thoughtful research is required.