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Health Canada launches investigation into two deaths linked to plasma donation at clinics in Winnipeg.
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A 22-year-old Nigerian student, Rodiyat Alabede, died after donating plasma at a Grifols centre.
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Authorities say no direct link has yet been established between the plasma donations and the fatalities.
Canadian health authorities have launched an investigation following the deaths of two individuals — including a Nigerian international student — after they donated plasma at private collection centres in Winnipeg.
Health Canada confirmed it received two reports of fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors. The incidents were recorded in October 2025 and January 30, 2026.
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Both cases occurred at facilities operated by Grifols, a global healthcare firm that runs several plasma collection centres across Canada.
One of the deceased, Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian international student, died on October 25 after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue.
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Alabede had moved from Nigeria to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg.
A friend of the student, Mary Ann Chika, said she identified Alabede’s body at the hospital after she was pronounced dead.
According to her, doctors provided limited details but indicated that the student’s heart stopped beating during the plasma donation process.
Health Canada said the second fatal reaction was reported on January 30 following another donation at Grifols’ Innovation Drive facility in Winnipeg. Authorities did not disclose the identity of the second donor.
The federal regulator noted that no direct connection has yet been established between the plasma donations and the deaths, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Inspectors were also dispatched to review the operations of the clinics following the incidents.
Plasma donation works in a process similar to blood donation. During the procedure, blood is drawn from the donor, the plasma — a yellowish fluid rich in antibodies — is separated, and the remaining blood components are returned to the body.
The process is generally considered safe and plasma is widely used in medical treatments. It contains immunoglobulins that help strengthen the immune system and clotting factors used to control bleeding, making it vital in the treatment of infections, bleeding disorders and liver disease.
However, donors may experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, dehydration, bruising or fainting.
In a statement, Grifols expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
The company said that based on the information currently available, there is no evidence suggesting a correlation between the donors’ deaths and the plasma donation process.
Grifols also explained that potential donors must undergo medical screening, including a health history review and physical examination, before they are approved to donate.
At the centres, donors can receive honorarium payments of up to $100 per donation, with additional incentives for regular donors.
Canadian regulations require plasma collection facilities to report any serious donor reaction occurring during the procedure or within 72 hours afterward to Health Canada.