Expressing support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day".
This House resolution expresses support for designating the last Tuesday of April each year as “APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day.” It frames AMKD as a rapidly progressive form of kidney disease linked to variants in the APOL1 gene and highlights disparities in kidney disease burden, especially among Black Americans. The measure is symbolic and nonbinding; it does not create new programs or funding. Its purpose is to raise public awareness, inform the public about APOL1-related risks, and encourage genetic testing and health-conscious actions among those with ancestry from Western or Central Africa. The resolution notes that there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for AMKD but emphasizes ongoing research and clinical trials. It invites Americans to become more informed about kidney disease and AMKD, and it suggests that individuals with ancestry from Western/Central Africa consider genetic testing for APOL1 mutations as part of managing their health.
Key Points
- 1Designation goal: Supports designating the last Tuesday of April each year as APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day.
- 2Public health context: Highlights the large burden of kidney disease in the U.S. and significant racial disparities, particularly among Black Americans.
- 3Genetic basis: Describes APOL1 gene variants as a risk factor for AMKD, noting that variants are more common among people with ancestry from Western or Central Africa and that having two variant copies markedly increases risk.
- 4Testing and prevention: Suggests that genetic testing can reveal APOL1 risk, enabling proactive kidney health management, alongside general healthy lifestyle and medical adherence.
- 5Policy scope: Emphasizes awareness and education, with an encouragement for people of relevant ancestry to consider genetic testing; acknowledges no FDA-approved AMKD treatments currently exist and notes ongoing research.