One of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies will spend $3 million helping public health departments take care of HIV patients, and Fulton County is one of three governments benefiting. The Merck Company Foundation initiative will give Fulton Health Services $1 million over three years to bolster HIV care and prevention.

Houston and Philadelphia health departments were also chosen. They and Atlanta are among the top 10 U.S. cities with the highest HIV burden. An Emory University study found that the HIV in the metro area is concentrated in downtown Atlanta, meeting the World Health Organization's "epidemic" definition.

About the Author

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP