Our Statement

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), necessitating dialysis or transplantation for survival, holds a unique distinction as the sole ailment under Medicare coverage, irrespective of age or other disability. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a consequential concern, acting as a disease multiplier. Individuals with CKD are often concurrently diagnosed with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension, ironically, the leading causes of CKD.

Amid the growing incidence of CKD among African migrants, The MEK Kidney Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Dallas, has introduced The MEK Project Kidney Disease Awareness Program. This initiative aims to identify high-risk individuals within this community, formulate community-focused strategies for superior detection and management, and champion education among laypersons and professionals on the importance of early detection and optimal treatment approaches.

Regarded as a silent killer, chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently presents no symptoms, especially during its initial stages, making it a covert threat to health. Without laboratory testing, the disease often goes unnoticed until it advances to a critical stage – CKD stage 5, at which point individuals may require dialysis imminently. Nonetheless, as previously emphasized, early detection and intervention can significantly decelerate the progression of kidney disease, postpone complications, and avert or delay the onset of kidney failure.

The primary objective of The MEK Project Kidney Disease Awareness Program is to enhance the percentage of individuals with CKD who are cognizant of their impaired renal function. The practice of screening and early detection opens avenues for timely intervention, fostering greater awareness, adherence to prescribed medications, control of risk factors, and consequently improved health outcomes.

Increasing the proportion of individuals aware of their CKD status necessitates the expansion of public and professional education programs alongside screening initiatives. These efforts must be especially directed towards populations at higher risk for CKD, such as the African community, which has witnessed a surge in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) cases, predominantly attributed to the widespread occurrence of diabetes and high blood pressure within the community.

With a targeted, community-centric approach, The MEK Kidney Foundation endeavors to tackle CKD head-on, promoting a culture of awareness and proactive healthcare management to curb the devastating toll of kidney disease within high-risk populations.