Canada Probes Death of Nigerian Student, Another Donor After Plasma Donation

Authorities in Canada have launched an investigation into the deaths of two people — including a Nigerian international student — following plasma donations at collection centres in Winnipeg.

Health Canada said it received reports of two fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors, one in October 2025 and another on January 30, 2026.

Both donations took place at centres run by Grifols.

One of the deceased was Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian student who died on October 25 after donating plasma at the company’s Taylor Avenue facility.

Alabede had relocated from Nigeria to Canada in 2022 to pursue studies at the University of Winnipeg.

Her friend Mary Ann Chika said she identified Alabede’s body at a hospital after doctors confirmed her death.

She said hospital staff informed her that Alabede’s heart stopped beating during the donation process.

The second death occurred following a donation at the company’s Innovation Drive centre in Winnipeg. Health Canada has not disclosed the identity of the donor.

The regulator said investigations are ongoing and that a direct link between the plasma donation and the deaths has not yet been established.

Inspectors have been deployed to examine the facilities involved.

Plasma donation is similar to blood donation. During the procedure, blood is drawn and the plasma — a yellowish fluid containing antibodies and clotting factors — is separated while the remaining blood cells are returned to the donor.

The procedure is widely regarded as safe, although some donors may experience side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, bruising or fainting.

In a statement, Grifols expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased, saying, “we have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation.”

The company noted that donors undergo thorough health screening, including a review of medical history and a physical examination before being allowed to donate.

Donors at the centres may receive payments of up to $100 per donation, with additional incentives for regular contributions.

Canadian regulations require plasma collection facilities to report any serious adverse reaction experienced during or within 72 hours after donation to Health Canada.

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