The ASEC Ripple Effect: Saving Lives in Rural Zambia

As a young girl, Sr. Constancia Lungu, LSSF, was deeply touched by the life and values of St. Francis of Assisi. His example of humility and compassion sparked in her a desire to serve people experiencing poverty, care for those who are sick, and stand alongside individuals whose voices are too often unheard. 

In 1998, she entered religious life with the Little Sisters of St. Francis (LSSF) in the Livingstone Diocese of Zambia. The congregation’s charism—finding Christ present in people who are vulnerable and marginalized—became the foundation of her ministry¹. For more than 15 years, Sr. Constancia has lived out that mission as the Facilitator In-Charge of the Makunka Mission Rural Health Centre in the remote Kazungula District of Southern Zambia.

Makunka Mission Rural Health Centre serves individuals who would otherwise have little to no access to basic medical care. For many patients, the centre is the only nearby source of prenatal services, childhood immunizations, lab testing, and treatment for common illnesses. In a region where transportation is limited and distances are long, access to local healthcare can mean the difference between life and death.

Early in her leadership at Makunka, Sr. Constancia participated in ASEC’s Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI, 2010-2012). Through training in technology, finance, and leadership, she gained practical skills that strengthened her ability to lead effectively and sustainably. She reflects that SLDI increased her ability to “remain patient in her work, lead by example, and handle different kinds of personnel and individuals.” 

That investment in her leadership has borne remarkable fruit.

Under Sr. Constancia’s leadership, the centre has expanded significantly. She successfully assisted in mobilizing resources to construct a maternity annex, greatly improving maternal care in the region. What was once a long-held dream is now a functioning maternity ward that has improved maternal health outcomes and provided safer deliveries for countless mothers and babies. 

Additional improvements include:

• Construction of a patient shelter for families traveling long distances,
• Staff housing to attract and retain qualified medical personnel,
• A new laboratory to improve diagnosis and treatment,
• Connection to the national electricity grid, along with a solar backup system to ensure reliable power for critical services.

In 2025, Sr. Constancia’s dedication was recognized nationally when the Zambia Federation of Employers honored her with the Outstanding Hardworking Personnel Award for Nursing at the country’s Labour Day celebrations.

For ASEC, following Sr. Constancia’s journey over the years has been a powerful reminder of what is possible when sisters are equipped with leadership and management skills through SLDI. An investment in one sister’s education has multiplied into expanded healthcare access for an entire rural community.

Reflecting on her journey, Sr. Constancia shared, “Being an SLDI alumnae, I appreciate the skills I obtained during the training, helping me to perform with confidence in my ministry.” 

Through her unwavering leadership, faith, and practical training, Sr. Constancia continues to embody the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi—bringing compassionate, life-saving care to those who need it the most.

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1. https://livingstonediocese.org/index.php/little-sisters-of-st-francis/ 

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