Nigerian Student, One Other Die After Donating Plasma In Canada

Canadian health authorities have begun investigating the deaths of two people, including a Nigerian international student, after they donated plasma at private collection centres in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and makes up slightly more than half of the blood’s total volume.

Health Canada said it received two reports of fatal reactions involving plasma donors.

The first incident was reported in October 2025, while the second occurred on January 30, 2026.

Both incidents happened at clinics run by Grifols, a Spanish healthcare firm that operates several plasma collection centres across Canada.

One of the victims was Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian student who died on October 25 after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre.

Alabede moved from Nigeria to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at University of Winnipeg.

A friend of the student, Mary Ann Chika, said she went to the hospital and identified Alabede after doctors confirmed she had died.

According to her, hospital staff gave limited details but said the student’s heart stopped while she was donating plasma.

Health Canada said the second fatal case was reported on January 30 after a donation at Grifols Plasma Donation Centre.

Authorities have not released the identity of the second person.

The agency explained that it has not yet confirmed whether the deaths were directly linked to plasma donation and that investigations are still ongoing.

Officials also visited the clinics to carry out inspections following the incidents.

Plasma donation works in a similar way to blood donation.

During the process, blood is drawn from the donor and the plasma, a light yellow liquid rich in antibodies, is separated. The remaining red blood cells are then returned to the donor’s body.

The procedure is widely considered safe and is used to collect important components for medical treatment.

Plasma contains substances called immunoglobulins that help strengthen the immune system, as well as clotting factors that help stop bleeding.

These are used in treating infections, bleeding disorders and certain liver conditions.

However, health experts warn that some donors may experience side effects such as tiredness, dehydration, dizziness, bruising or fainting.

Grifols, which has operated in Winnipeg since 2022 after purchasing Canadian Plasma Resources, expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased.

In a statement, the company said there is currently no evidence linking the deaths directly to plasma donation.

It added that every donor must complete a detailed health questionnaire and medical examination before being approved to donate.

Donors at the centres can receive payments of up to $100 for each plasma donation, with extra bonuses available for people who donate regularly.

Canadian regulations also require plasma collection centres to report any serious reaction experienced by a donor during the procedure or within 72 hours after the donation to Health Canada.

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