Strengthening Public Health Across Guam and the Pacific

The Guam Public Health Training and Laboratory Facility (GPHTL) expands the island's ability to detect, monitor and respond to infectious diseases while serving as a vital resource for communities throughout the Pacific Region. Guam's strategic location positions it as a public health hub for the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, including the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. HDR partnered with stakeholders to deliver a modern diagnostic lab, biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory, and training facility to help reduce testing delays, strengthens regional preparedness and support faster responses to emerging public health threats.

Designed for Resilience, Self-Reliance and Future Growth

What began as a new testing laboratory evolved into a facility designed to support the long-term health and resilience for Guam and the wider Pacific region. The laboratory streamlines the testing process through dedicated sample intake, triage, open diagnostic laboratory functions, specialized containment spaces and a BSL-3 suite to help identify emerging infectious diseases.

The facility's design responds to Guam's demanding tropical environment through durable construction strategies that withstand typhoons, humidity, heat and corrosive coastal conditions. Tilt-up concrete walls, precast concrete structural systems and robust emergency infrastructure support operational continuity during extreme weather events, while the design responds to the island's environmental conditions and logistical constraints.

Equally important, the facility strengthens local and regional testing capacity. Previously, samples received on Guam were shipped to Honolulu for analysis, resulting in delays that could range from days to weeks. By bringing advanced testing capabilities closer to home, the laboratory supports faster public health responses and improved access to timely diagnostic information. Collaboration with the University of Guam also creates opportunities for education, workforce training, internships and long-term staff development, helping build regional laboratory expertise for generations to come.

A Long-Term Investment in Regional Health

More than a decade in the making, the Guam Public Health Training and Laboratories new facility represents the collaboration of public health leaders, government agencies, federal partners and HDR professionals across multiple disciplines and offices. The facility strengthens Guam's ability to respond to future health threats, expands local testing capabilities and creates a lasting foundation for public health training and workforce development. As a regional resource built to serve Guam and neighboring Pacific communities, the project stands as a testament to the power of partnership, resilience and a shared vision for a healthier future.