Juwan is a young boy from Namibia who faced a devastating battle for his eyesight after contracting the Herpes Simplex Virus in his left eye.
What first seemed like a simple infection that didn’t improve with eye drops turned out to be far more serious. Doctors later confirmed that the virus—commonly associated with cold sores—had reached his cornea, apparently after a kiss on the face.
The damage was severe: a 4-millimeter hole formed in his eye, he lost both vision and sensation, and his eye stopped producing natural lubrication, putting the organ at serious risk.
His family traveled to South Africa, where he underwent a graft surgery. He now keeps the eye protected with his eyelids closed. If his recovery goes well, he may be able to receive a cornea transplant in 2026.
His parents are currently raising funds to continue his treatment.