Canadian health authorities have opened an investigation into the deaths of two plasma donors, including a Nigerian international student, after separate incidents at private plasma collection centres in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Health Canada confirmed that it received two reports of fatal adverse reactions linked to plasma donation, one in October 2025 and another on January 30, 2026.
Both incidents occurred at clinics operated by Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company that runs several plasma collection facilities across Canada.
One of the deceased donors was 22-year-old Nigerian student, Rodiyat Alabede, who died on October 25 after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre located on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg.
Alabede reportedly moved from Nigeria to Canada in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg.
A close friend of the deceased, Mary Ann Chika, said she later identified Alabede’s body at the hospital after doctors confirmed her death. According to her, medical staff informed her that the student’s heart stopped during the plasma donation process.
Health Canada disclosed that the second fatal reaction occurred on January 30 after another donor gave plasma at Grifols’ Innovation Drive clinic in Winnipeg. The identity of the second victim has not been made public.
The agency, however, stated that it has not established a direct link between the plasma donation procedures and the deaths, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Officials also confirmed that inspectors had been sent to the facilities involved following the reports.
Plasma donation involves drawing blood from a donor and separating the plasma the liquid component that makes up more than half of blood volume before returning the remaining red blood cells to the donor’s body.
The process is generally considered safe and is widely used to obtain plasma containing antibodies and clotting proteins used in the treatment of infections, bleeding disorders and liver-related illnesses.
Despite its safety record, health experts warn that some donors may experience side effects such as fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, bruising or fainting.
Reacting to the incidents, Grifols expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased. The company said that based on the information available to it, there was no indication that the deaths were directly connected to the plasma donation procedures.
The firm also explained that prospective donors must undergo detailed medical screening and physical examination before they are approved to donate plasma.
At the Winnipeg centres, donors are eligible to receive honorarium payments of up to $100 per donation, with additional incentives available for frequent donors.
Canadian regulations require plasma collection centres to report any serious reaction experienced by a donor either during the procedure or within 72 hours after the donation to Health Canada.
