DE HCR16

Designates March 2021 as "Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month" in Delaware to raise public awareness of rare kidney diseases, particularly APOL1-mediated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Highlights that APOL1 genetic variants disproportionately affect persons of African ancestry, including African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Latinx individuals

Notes that African Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population but account for 32% of all kidney failure and 35% of end-stage kidney disease, making them 4 times more likely to develop kidney failure than White Americans

Emphasizes that APOL1-mediated FSGS leads to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant in 50% of patients within 5 years, with no currently approved treatments addressing the underlying cause

Aims to encourage early diagnosis and care for vulnerable populations through increased public awareness and education about rare kidney diseases