By Sainabou Sambou
Ngala Lodge pulsed with vibrant energy on Saturday evening as an innovative art exhibition on breast cancer awareness drew a diverse crowd of diplomats, advocates, artists, and community members, all united in support of a vital health cause.
The event, a collaborative effort between Ngala Lodge and Sainey’s Cancer Awareness Foundation, harnessed the power of visual Art to illuminate breast cancer—one of the most prevalent health threats facing women globally. Paintings, including pieces inspired by Vincent van Gogh, adorned the venue, transforming the space into a gallery of hope and education.
In an exclusive interview, EU Ambassador to Gambia, Imma Roca i Cortes, underscored the urgency of awareness and early detection. “Breast cancer is an illness that affects many women, yet it is often preventable if diagnosed early,” she stated. “Women must know their own bodies—they have a role to play in checking themselves and seeking medical help when necessary. Society must also understand how to support and treat those affected.”
Ambassador Roca emphasized that awareness campaigns should continue beyond October, the designated international Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Awareness and training must happen year-round,” she continued. “There’s still a stigma surrounding women checking themselves—we must make it less scary, normalize it, and make it a shared responsibility for both women and men.”
Expressing her enthusiasm for the event, she added, “I feel happy and proud to be part of an event that unites creativity with advocacy. It’s a beautiful way of celebrating solidarity with women battling cancer. Be brave, know your body, check it. Don’t be shy—your life depends on it.”
Isatou Secka Jah, another speaker, reinforced these messages. “Cancer can be detected early, and action can be taken before it leads to loss of life,” she said. “In The Gambia, many people only visit hospitals when they are already sick. We need to change that mindset—early detection saves lives.”
She called on young women and men to prioritize their health proactively, including learning simple breast self-examination techniques.
Ya Awa Conateh, founder of Sainey’s Cancer Awareness Foundation, praised Ngala Lodge’s initiative. “This was entirely their idea,” she explained. “Ngala Lodge organized the art exhibition and generously decided to donate proceeds from the artwork sales to our foundation. I’m incredibly grateful for their gesture—it inspires me to do even more.”
Conateh’s foundation focuses on educating Gambians about breast cancer. “We want every Gambian to know that breast cancer is real, and that early detection can save lives,” she asserted. “Many people die because they’re misdiagnosed or turned away too many times before getting proper treatment. That has to change.”
She highlighted the broader impact of creative approaches: “Art connects to everything. Using Art, music, and food to raise awareness is a powerful approach. It brings people together for a good cause, and the impact is beyond measure.”
Peter Engles, manager of Ngala Lodge, revealed the event’s origins in personal connections and social good. “Ya Awa Conateh is a dear friend and an inspiration,” he said. “We had these beautiful paintings, including some inspired by Van Gogh, and we wanted to do something meaningful with them. Since Van Gogh is not widely known in Africa, we thought it would be a wonderful way to introduce his Art while supporting an important cause.”
Beyond fundraising, Engles emphasized empowerment: the event aimed to uplift Gambian women, whom he described as “the backbone of the country’s economy.”
The exhibition not only raised funds but also sparked meaningful conversations, demonstrating that Art can be a powerful tool for health advocacy. Attendees left inspired, with a renewed commitment to year-round awareness and action against breast cancer.
