AL HJR198

Designates the last Tuesday of each April as APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day in Alabama.

Encourages Alabama citizens with Western and Central African ancestry to consider genetic testing for APOL1 gene mutations, which significantly increase kidney disease risk.

Acknowledges that African Americans comprise 13% of the U.S. population but account for 32% of kidney failures and 35% of end-stage kidney disease cases, and are four times more likely to develop kidney failure than White Americans.

Notes that an estimated 13% of Black Americans carry variants in both copies of the APOL1 gene, creating a one in five chance of developing kidney disease if both copies are affected.

Calls for cooperation and participation of all Alabama citizens in research efforts to develop effective treatments and a cure for APOL1-mediated kidney disease.