A Chinese-made vaccine has been given a stamp of approval by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first time. The move could herald a step towards China becoming a global vaccine maker.

The vaccine protects children against Japanese encephalitis (JE), a viral brain infection spread by mosquitoes that is common in parts of east and south Asia. The vaccine, formally known as SA 14-14-2, was added to the WHO's prequalified medicines list last week, giving it a WHO quality and safety endorsement. The practical implication is that it can be used by United Nations agencies.

Domestic sales of the JE vaccine, developed by the Chengdu Institute of Biological Products (CDIBP) and a subsidiary of the China National Biotec Group (CNBG) in Beijing, began in 1988. The vaccine has been widely exported since, but the WHO stamp of approval means that more countries will recognize its quality.