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About

20+

Year Experience

Compassionate Care

When It Matters Most.

Our Lady's Hospice & Health Centre is a faith-rooted sanctuary of healing in the heart of Lusaka — dedicated to dignified, holistic palliative care for every patient who walks through our doors.

CALL ANYTIME 24/7

+260 977 740 427

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Our Story & Mission Born Out of Crisis.
Built on Compassion.

When HIV and AIDS swept through Zambia in the late 1990s and early 2000s, government hospitals were overwhelmed. Patients in their most vulnerable moments were discharged with nowhere to turn — many dying without dignity or support. The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood saw this suffering and refused to look away.

In 2003, together with three other Catholic Religious Congregations, they established Our Lady's Hospice in Kalingalinga, Lusaka — a sanctuary where no patient is ever turned away, day or night.

Today, Our Lady's Hospice has grown into a comprehensive health centre serving a catchment population of over 200,000 people across Kalingalinga, Kaunda Square, Mutendere, Kalikiliki, and Ingombe. We offer palliative care, HIV/AIDS management, cancer support, paediatric care, physiotherapy, counselling, and community outreach — all grounded in faith, dignity, and love.

Through faith, every patient suffering from a life-threatening illness is helped to come to terms with their illness and to renew hope for living with a certain quality of life until death.

— Our Lady's Hospice Mission Statement

Our Journey Milestones Through the Years

Late 1990s

The HIV/AIDS pandemic overwhelms Zambia's health system. Terminally ill patients are discharged without adequate care. The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood recognise an urgent need.

2003

Our Lady's Hospice is officially founded by four Catholic Religious Congregations in Kalingalinga. In-patient houses become operational in August 2003.

2003 – 2010

The ART Clinic opens and begins serving HIV-positive patients. Over 4,700 outpatients are seen, with nearly 3,000 enrolled on antiretroviral therapy. A paediatric clinic is launched, serving nearly 300 children.

2011 – Present

The Hospice expands under the Archdiocese of Lusaka as proprietor. Services grow to include a full pharmacy, laboratory, community health posts, youth outreach, a vegetable garden, and a vibrant training centre.

Today

Our Lady's Hospice & Health Centre serves over 1,600 outpatients per month, operates 24/7, and continues to be a trusted pillar of compassionate care in Lusaka.

Leadership & Team

Guided by Faith, Led by Excellence

Our multidisciplinary leadership team brings together clinical expertise, administrative wisdom, and a deep spiritual calling — united in service to our patients and community.

SISTER MERCY Executive Director / Matron

A dedicated leader with decades of service in Catholic healthcare, Sister Mercy oversees the clinical and administrative operations of Our Lady's Hospice, ensuring that every patient receives dignified, compassionate care.

Dr. DAVID LUWISHA Medical Director

Dr. Luwisha leads our clinical team with specialised expertise in palliative medicine and HIV/AIDS management. He ensures our treatment protocols align with WHO palliative care standards and remain patient-centred.

NANJALA CHITA Head of Nursing & Care

With an unwavering commitment to her patients, Nanjala oversees our nursing team and caregivers, maintaining the highest standards of holistic care that Our Lady's Hospice is known for throughout Lusaka.

Fr BENEDICT CHANDA Chaplain & Spiritual Director

To exchange practical advice and experience in implementing admission avoidance.

Our Lady’s Hospice is under the patronage of His Grace, the Archbishop of Lusaka, and operates as a registered charity under the Companies Act of Zambia with the support of the Zambian Ministry of Health.

Our Values & Faith

The Principles That Shape Everything We Do

Every decision at Our Lady's Hospice — clinical, administrative, or pastoral — flows from a set of core values rooted in our Catholic faith and a profound respect for human dignity.

Compassion

We see the person, not just the illness. Every patient — regardless of faith, background, or ability to pay — is welcomed with warmth and treated with the dignity they deserve.

Dignity in Every Moment

From the first consultation to the final hours, we are committed to ensuring every patient experiences peace, comfort, and dignity. No one faces illness or death alone at Our Lady's.

Holistic Care

We treat the whole person — physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Our multidisciplinary team works together to address every dimension of our patients' wellbeing.

Excellence in Clinical Care

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of palliative medicine, continuously training our staff, following WHO guidelines, and collaborating with leading institutions across Lusaka.

Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination

We welcome patients of all faiths, backgrounds, and circumstances. No patient in need is ever turned away. Those who cannot afford care are given priority.

Hope Through Faith

As a faith-based organisation, we believe that spiritual care is inseparable from physical care. We offer patients hope — not just treatment — encouraging peace and acceptance.

Guided by Faith. Driven by Compassion.

Rooted in Faith. United in Mission.

Our Lady’s Hospice is sustained by four Catholic Religious Congregations working in unity under the Archdiocese of Lusaka. Together, they form the spiritual and moral foundation of our care—serving every patient with dignity, compassion, and faith.

Our Founding Congregations

Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM)

Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)

Dominican Sisters (OP)

St. Patrick's Missionary Society (SPS / Kiltegan Fathers)

Impact & Statistics

The Numbers Behind Our Compassion

Over two decades, Our Lady's Hospice has quietly transformed thousands of lives across Lusaka. These numbers tell only part of the story.

1600+

Outpatients seen every month

60+

Experienced Doctor's

Average inpatients admitted monthly

4700+

ART patients served since the clinic opened

300

Children registered in our paediatric programme

33

Inpatient beds across 5 wards

24/7

Urgent care available — no patient turned away

Our Integrated Care Approach

Our approach is built on collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based care—ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.

Practical Knowledge. Real Impact - We facilitate structured knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals to share proven approaches that reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes. Our focus is on real-world solutions that work in local contexts.
Connected Care Systems - We enable seamless integration between Hospital-at-Home (HaH) services and specialist care, ensuring continuity, efficiency, and coordinated treatment pathways for patients across different levels of care.
Educating for Better Decisions - We actively promote awareness of alternative care models, empowering families, caregivers, and healthcare providers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions that prioritize patient comfort, dignity, and cost-effective care.
Evidence-Driven Innovation - We support and contribute to research initiatives aimed at developing evidence-based healthcare solutions, improving service delivery, and advancing specialized care for patients with complex and chronic conditions.

Why Choose Us

Where Faith, Expertise & Compassion Meet

Choosing a healthcare provider for yourself or a loved one facing a life-threatening illness is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Here is why so many families in Lusaka trust Our Lady's Hospice.

No Patient Is Ever Turned Away

Our Lady's Hospice operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any patient who needs care — regardless of the hour, their faith, or their ability to pay — will be received. Those who cannot afford care are given priority.

Truly Holistic Care

We treat the whole person. Our multidisciplinary team — nurses, counsellors, physiotherapists, a pharmacist, spiritual directors, and caregivers — works together to address physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs simultaneously.

Free ART for HIV-Positive Patients

Antiretroviral treatment is available free of charge to eligible HIV-positive patients, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to life-prolonging care. Adherence support is provided to help patients stay on their medication regimen.

Faith-Based Spiritual Support

Spiritual care is at the heart of everything we do. Patients are accompanied by a chaplain, pastoral caregivers, and visiting ministers from multiple denominations. We offer hope where hope seems lost.

Empowering Families as Caregivers

Through our Training Centre, we equip family members with the skills to care for their loved ones at home. Because we believe the best care for the terminally sick is often given by those who love them.

Trusted Institutional Partnerships

We work closely with the University Teaching Hospital, the Cancer Hospital Lusaka, LUDHMT, the Palliative Care Association of Zambia, and multiple community health programmes to ensure you receive connected, comprehensive care.

In Their Own Words

Voices From Our Community

Behind every statistic is a person — a mother, a father, a child. Here are some of the stories that remind us why this work matters.

The nurses and counsellors at Our Lady's Hospice treated my mother with so much dignity. They never made us feel rushed or like a burden. When she passed, we were at peace, because she was at peace.

Chanda Mwewa

Family Member, Kalingalinga

I have referred many patients to Our Lady's Hospice over the years. Every single time, they are received with genuine care and proper clinical attention. I trust this team completely.

Dr. Bupe Ngoma

Referring Clinician, Lusaka

I arrived not knowing what to expect, frightened and exhausted. The team gave me medication, counselling, and something I had completely lost: hope. I am still here because of them.

Nchimunya Chabota

Patient · Matero, Lusaka

They trained me to care for my husband at home and checked on us every week. I never felt alone in it. Our Lady's Hospice did not just care for him — they cared for our whole family.

Mercy Mukelabai

Home Caregiver · Kalikiliki, Lusaka

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about hospice care, admissions, or how to support your loved one? We understand this is a sensitive time. Below are answers to the most common questions families ask when considering hospice and palliative care services in Zambia.

We respect your privacy and dignity at all times
Guidance for families at every stage of care
Support tailored to your loved one’s needs

Our team provides professional, patient-centered care focused on comfort, dignity, and emotional support for both patients and families.

We respect your privacy and dignity at all times
Guidance for families at every stage of care
Support tailored to your loved one’s needs

Hospice and palliative care focus on improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious or life-limiting illnesses. At Our Lady’s Hospice, we provide comfort care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families.

Hospice care is appropriate when a patient has a serious illness and the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Families often consider hospice when managing pain, symptoms, or end-of-life care at home or in a supportive environment.

Yes. Our home-based hospice services allow patients to receive compassionate care in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by family. Our team provides medical support, guidance, and regular visits.

No. Hospice care does not mean giving up—it means focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. We manage pain and symptoms while supporting emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Families play a vital role. We guide and empower caregivers with practical training, emotional support, and continuous advice so they can confidently care for their loved ones.

You can contact us directly via phone, email, or our website. Our team will guide you through the assessment process and help determine the most suitable care plan.

Team Details

Our People Are Our Greatest Asset

Our Lady's Hospice is powered by a team of 67 dedicated staff members — full-time and part-time — whose skills, faith, and compassion make everything possible. Every salary is funded entirely through charitable donations and institutional support, not government funding.

+260 977 740 427

info@ourladyshospice.com

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About

When It Matters Most.

CALL ANYTIME 24/7

Guided by Faith, Led by Excellence

The Principles That Shape Everything We Do

Compassion

Dignity in Every Moment

Holistic Care

Excellence in Clinical Care

Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination

Hope Through Faith

Rooted in Faith. United in Mission.

Our Founding Congregations

The Numbers Behind Our Compassion

1600+

60+

4700+

300

33

24/7

Our Integrated Care Approach

Where Faith, Expertise & Compassion Meet

No Patient Is Ever Turned Away

Truly Holistic Care

Free ART for HIV-Positive Patients

Faith-Based Spiritual Support

Empowering Families as Caregivers

Trusted Institutional Partnerships

Voices From Our Community

Chanda Mwewa

Dr. Bupe Ngoma

Nchimunya Chabota

Mercy Mukelabai

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is hospice and palliative care?

2. When should someone consider hospice care?

3. Can hospice care be provided at home?

4. Does hospice care mean giving up treatment?

5. How do families get involved in caregiving?

6. How do I arrange hospice care with OLH?

Our People Are Our Greatest Asset

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