UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Homlo’: Health and healing

UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Homlo’: Health and healing

UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Homlo’: Health and healing


6/13/2025

Francine Naputi
Francine M. Naputi, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of health science at the University of Guam's Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health.

In this week’s UOG Horizons column, Dr. Francine Naputi reflects on how the CHamoru word homlo’, meaning “to heal,” was chosen to represent the University of Guam’s School of Health in Fino’ CHamoru. More than a translation, homlo’ reflects a deeper cultural view of health as a process of healing rooted in community and harmony. Dr. Naputi highlights the importance of inafa’maolek—a CHamoru value often understood as living in harmony—and how it shapes our island’s approach to wellness. She shares powerful examples, like Guam’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, where the community prioritized the elderly out of respect and collective care. Her message is a timely reminder that true health begins with connection, culture, and compassion.

Read the full article at The Guam Daily Post