Nigerian student dies after plasma donation in Canada as health authorities probe two fatalities

Canadian health regulators have opened an investigation after two people, including a Nigerian international student, died following plasma donations at private collection centres in the city of Winnipeg, located in Manitoba, Canada.

The Nigerian victim has been identified as Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old student who had moved to Canada in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg. Authorities say she died in October 2025 after donating plasma at a private collection facility run by the healthcare company Grifols.

According to Canadian regulators, a second fatality linked to a plasma donation was reported on January 30, 2026, at another clinic in the same city. However, officials have not publicly disclosed the identity of that donor.

In a statement, Health Canada confirmed it had received two separate reports involving fatal adverse reactions following plasma donation procedures. The agency said both cases are currently under review as investigators attempt to determine whether the deaths were connected to the donation process.

For now, the regulator says no direct link between the medical procedures and the fatalities has been established.

What happened to the Nigerian student

Alabede reportedly died on October 25 after visiting the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre to donate plasma.

A friend, Mary Ann Chika, said she was the one who identified Alabede at the hospital after medical personnel confirmed her death.

According to Chika, doctors provided only limited details about what had happened. However, she said they informed her that the student’s heart stopped during the donation process.

The incident shocked members of the Nigerian community in Winnipeg, where many international students reside while attending local universities and colleges.

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Health Canada said the second fatal case occurred months later, on January 30, after another plasma donation at a separate facility, the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre.

Following the reports, regulators said inspection teams were sent to examine the clinics and review their procedures.

Questions around plasma donation safety

Plasma donation is a medical process similar to giving blood. During the procedure, blood is drawn from a donor and passed through a machine that separates the plasma, a pale yellow liquid rich in proteins and antibodies, before returning the remaining red blood cells into the donor’s body.

The practice is widely used in medicine because plasma contains vital components such as immunoglobulins, which help strengthen the immune system, and clotting factors used to treat bleeding disorders and liver disease.

Although the process is generally considered safe, donors are warned about potential side effects, which may include dizziness, dehydration, bruising, fatigue or fainting.

Grifols, a Spanish healthcare firm that operates multiple plasma collection centres across Canada, said it was saddened by the deaths and extended condolences to the affected families.

However, the company stated that based on the information currently available, there is no evidence linking the deaths directly to plasma donation.

The firm added that all prospective donors undergo health screening procedures, including a medical history review and physical examination, before being allowed to donate.

Plasma donation centres in Canada often provide financial compensation to donors. Payments can reach up to about $100 per session, with additional incentives sometimes offered to encourage frequent donations.

Under Canadian health regulations, plasma collection facilities must report any serious adverse reaction experienced by a donor during the procedure or within 72 hours afterwards to Health Canada.

As the investigation continues, authorities say they will examine medical records, clinic protocols and other available evidence to determine whether any safety concerns contributed to the two deaths.