Health authorities in Canada have launched an investigation into the deaths of two people—including a Nigerian international student—following plasma donations at private collection centres in Winnipeg.
The federal health regulator, Health Canada, confirmed that it received two reports of fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors, with one incident recorded in October 2025 and another on January 30, 2026.
Both deaths occurred at facilities operated by Grifols, which runs several plasma collection centres across the country.
One of the victims, Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old student from Nigeria, died on October 25 after donating plasma at the company’s centre on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg.
Alabede had relocated from Nigeria to Canada in 2022 to pursue her studies at the University of Winnipeg.
According to her friend, Mary Ann Chika, the young student’s death came as a devastating shock. Chika said she was called to the hospital where she later identified Alabede after she was pronounced dead.
She said doctors provided limited details but told her that Alabede’s heart stopped beating while she was in the process of donating plasma at the centre.
Health Canada also confirmed that a second fatal adverse reaction occurred on January 30 after a plasma donation at Grifols’ Innovation Drive location in Winnipeg. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the second individual involved.
The regulator said investigations are ongoing and stressed that no direct link has yet been established between the plasma donation procedures and the reported deaths.
Following the incidents, Health Canada officials conducted inspections at the clinics involved as part of the ongoing review.
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Plasma, the liquid component of blood that makes up slightly more than half of its total volume, contains antibodies and clotting factors that are widely used in the treatment of infections, bleeding disorders and certain liver conditions.
The plasma donation process is similar to blood donation, except that the plasma is separated from the blood while the red blood cells are returned to the donor’s body.
Medical experts generally consider the procedure safe, though some donors may experience side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, bruising or fainting.
In a statement, Grifols expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
“Based on available information, we have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation,” the company said.
The firm added that prospective donors undergo comprehensive screening, including a detailed health history review and physical examination, before they are approved to donate.
Plasma donors at private collection centres may receive honorarium payments of up to $100 per donation, with additional incentives offered for repeat donations.
Under Canadian regulations, plasma collection facilities are required to report any serious reaction experienced by a donor during the procedure or within 72 hours after the donation to Health Canada.
Authorities say the investigation will determine whether any medical or procedural factors contributed to the deaths.