From Johns Hopkins University (USA) to MERQ Consultancy | Halima Thomas reflects on her internship experiences at MERQ

Halima Thomas reflects on her internship experiences at MERQ

“In school, we learn about different partners engage in different projects, but it’s really difficult to grasp what each person actually does. But, here at MERQ, I can see how clear their role is and the impact they make through all the big projects that we see including the health extension program (HEP), building roadmaps and designing [national strategies]”

MERQ Consultancy, as reliable evidence generating firm, is a home to experienced and qualified multidisciplinary professionals; many of whom are also affiliated to various universities and the industry across Ethiopia and beyond. Hence, it’s increasingly becoming a pragmatic choice in research, scientific inquiries and program implementation, especially in the areas of health and social sciences.

Since its establishment in 2014, MERQ has conducted more than 80 research projects/programs for ministry offices, development partners and INGOs, ranging from an assessment of a certain development project to designing a national roadmap and strategies.

With its strong bases in Ethiopia, Rwanda, USA and Australia, registered in each country as independent companies, MERQ is now strengthening its global presence and impact.

MERQ is present in four countries: Ethiopia, Australia, Rwanda and the USA

Cognizant, many Ethiopian and international universities send their students to MERQ for internship, relying on the relevance, quality and impact of what it does specializing in utilization-focused evaluation of programs of health and social relevance.

Halima Thomas is one of her kinds. She joined MERQ from Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, department of International Health, where she studies her master’s degree concentrating on Health Systems.

Born and raised in Maryland, USA, Halima says her parents hail from Gambia and Nigeria. But she says “I spent my whole life in Maryland.”

With her bachelor’s degree and ongoing master’s degree in Public Health, Halima got interested in doing her internship in Ethiopia. She cites the health extension program (HEP) and other public health programs that Ethiopia continues to champion, as factors that drew her interest.

Asked how and why she landed at MERQ for her internship, Halima had to say: “Actually, I was initially matched to another institution, here in Ethiopia. But my advisor suggested me to work with MERQ.” She adds he knew “there was an opening for internship position focusing on improving the health workforce efficiency here in Ethiopia.”

Indeed, the sister company, MERQ USA, has signed an MoU with Johns Hopkins University and Halima’s internship stems from that strategic partnership and institutional trust.

For Halima Thomas, MERQ’s focus on monitoring, evaluation, research and quality improvement (from which its name MERQ is drawn) has given her a great opportunity to learn about Ethiopia’s health system while integrating her experiences with her academic curriculum.

Halima says her internship experiences at MERQ has surpassed her expectations. “Because, here at MERQ, there are so many different projects, so many topical areas”, she says, “And, I’ve been able to learn from everyone who have been working on different things themselves.”

She also appreciates the hospitality she received from the MERQ community. “Everyone has been very welcoming and I have been able to learn from everyone and have an understanding of what MERQ is doing.”

Setegn Tigabu, Senior Data Manager at MERQ and Halima Thomas (Intern), processing research data

MERQ staff also testify that Halima’s internship stay was truly productive. “Halima joined our team as an intern for three months, dedicating every Tuesday and Friday afternoon to learning and growing alongside us during her stay in Addis Ababa,” say Setegn Tigabu, Senior Data Manager at MERQ.

“Over her time here including two hands-on sessions where we introduced her to three of our human resource for health (HRH) datasets, walked her through our data collection processes, and detailed how she could leverage the information for her own development she proved to be an exceptionally fast learner,” he says adding “Her keen curiosity, quick grasp of complex concepts, and strong work ethic made a lasting impression, and we have no doubt she has a bright future ahead in data driven work.”

As an institution that closely works with Ministry Offices, regional (sub-national) health bureaus, development partners and various clients, MERQ has been the ideal learning place for Halima’s mission as an intern. “It really allowed me to conceptualize how things in this industry actually work. In school, we learn about different partners engage in different projects, but it’s really difficult to grasp what each person actually does. But, here at MERQ, I can see how clear their role is and the impact they make through all the big projects that we see including the health extension program (HEP), building roadmaps and designing [national strategies].”

Halima also stresses that she now can vividly see what happens at the back, from how researchers collect data, analyze it and produce the findings that inform the major policy issues and programs to their impacts on the lives of citizens.

While her internship at MERQ was spanning different programs and projects, Halima has been more intensely involved in human centered design through a project (HRH2) that aims to optimize the efficiency of health workforce in the Ethiopian health system.

“I have been deeply involved in problem solving process, because we have already identified what the issue is and how we want to solve it,” she says. “With that, I’ve been able to build on skills I have already developed and use them in a context that I haven’t used them before.”
Relating her internship learning experience at MERQ to her academic career and future journey, Halima views it as having truly meaningful impact. “When I am looking for a career in the future, I will be able to say that I did this experience in a context that is different from the States.”

Beyond its institutional systems, Halima says her internship experience with MERQ has offered her the opportunity to learn the sociocultural treasures of Ethiopia, a country best known for its cultural mosaic. With prior experience visiting The Gambia and Senegal, Halima says her experience in Ethiopia is very much different, ranging from the weather to the people.

Since setting her foot in Addis on June 9, Halima is left with just a week time to windup her internship and return to the USA on Sept. 01, 2026. She says her close to three months stay have been truly enriching, not just academically but also socially. “Since I am here by myself, I am challenging myself with being more open to conversations with people who I don’t know, which I probably be warry of in the States.”

Halima Thomas, at a tea break, in MERQ Office

Speaking of such conversations, Halima mentions a special incidence. “I was sitting at a café one day, and I actually ended up having a really good conversation with the lady that was sitting next to me,” Halima says adding “She invited me to her house and met her kids. It was really nice experience.” To Halima, this could be a rare case to experience back at home. “In the States, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity”

In sum, Halima internship stay at MERQ was truly enriching, leaving her with great learnings and unforgettable memories. She believes the experiences she gained both institutionally and socially would continue adding great values to her professional and personal development.

By Mebrahten G. Belay – Director, Strategic Communications