A new centre to treat childhood pneumonia was launched at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Dhaka yesterday.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque inaugurated the centre called "Abul Hossain Respiratory Center and Pneumonia Research Center" as chief guest at an event in the hospital.

Dr Mohammad Shahidullah, president of the hospital's governing body, chaired the ceremony.

It was launched with financial support from Abul Hossain, chairman of Unifill Group, a textile company in the country and the founder of the trust.

The hospital authorities said the centre will enhance the hospital's capacity for providing state-of-the-art pneumonia treatment to children.

Abul Hossain also attended the event.