Dubai: UAE-based charity Dubai Cares Tuesday launched a health programme for children in Mali and Sierra Leone, with the aim of improving access to primary education.

The "WASH-in-Schools" programme was launched in partnership with international NGOs.

The programme will directly benefit over 1.7 million children in both the countries, the charity said.

Access to drinking water and sanitation facilities is an essential component to increasing school enrolment rates, decreasing pupil absenteeism, and improving children's health, it said.

The charity was founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister. IANS