In 1847, a Vienna doctor discovered that handwashing with chlorine could cut childbirth deaths by 90 percent, but the medical world refused to believe him

In a radical move, Ignaz Semmelweis mandated handwashing in hospitals, drastically reducing maternal mortality rates. Despite evidence supporting his approach, he faced fierce opposition from fellow medical professionals, as he couldn't provide a scientific rationale for his findings. Much later, the establishment of germ theory validated his revolutionary work, leading to fundamental changes in medical practices that ultimately saved innumerable lives.

from Science News: Fresh Discoveries, Research & Breakthroughs https://ift.tt/OMKcEsj