This resolution expresses support for designating the last Tuesday of April as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day" to promote education and genetic testing for this serious health disparity affecting people of African descent.
Stacey Plaskett
Representative
VI
This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating the last Tuesday of April as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day." It highlights the disproportionate impact of AMKD, often linked to APOL1 gene variants common in people of African descent, on kidney health. The bill encourages public education and genetic testing to help identify at-risk individuals early. Ultimately, it aims to raise awareness to reduce kidney disease disparities and promote further research into specific treatments.
Congress Backs Awareness Day to Highlight Kidney Disease Risk for Black Americans
This resolution is Congress's way of saying, "We need to talk about APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)," officially supporting the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as AMKD Awareness Day. It’s a formal push to educate the public about a specific, serious form of kidney disease that disproportionately affects Black Americans, aiming to close a significant health disparity gap.
The Genetic Factor: APOL1 and Ancestry
At the heart of this awareness push is the APOL1 gene. The resolution highlights that people whose ancestry traces back to Western or Central Africa are far more likely to carry specific variants of this gene. If you inherit these variants from both parents, your risk for developing AMKD—a form of kidney disease that progresses quickly to kidney failure—jumps significantly. Currently, it’s estimated that about 13 percent of Black Americans carry both variants, giving them a high lifetime risk of developing kidney disease.
Why Early Testing and Lifestyle Changes Matter
The resolution isn't just about naming a day; it’s a public health encouragement. AMKD often flies under the radar, showing few symptoms until the kidneys are severely damaged. By promoting genetic testing for those with West or Central African ancestry, the resolution aims to identify risk early. If someone tests positive for the high-risk variants, they have the power to act now: seeing a doctor regularly, managing diet, exercising, and quitting tobacco can significantly lower the risk of progression to kidney failure. This is about giving people the knowledge to take control before it’s too late.
A Call for Targeted Research and Treatment
Beyond awareness, the resolution points out a critical gap: there are currently no treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for AMKD. It serves as a call to action for the medical community and federal research agencies to invest more heavily in targeted research and clinical trials. For the millions of Americans living with chronic kidney disease—which already costs Medicare over $45 billion annually—finding specific treatments for AMKD could save lives and dramatically reduce healthcare costs. This resolution is a clear signal that Congress views addressing this genetic risk factor as a priority for public health equity.