Nigerian Student Dies After Plasma Donation in Canada

Nigerian Student Dies After Plasma Donation in Canada

Canadian health authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of two plasma donors, including a 22-year-old Nigerian international student, following separate incidents at private plasma collection centres in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The student, identified as Rodiyat Alabede, reportedly died on October 25, 2025, after donating plasma at a facility operated by Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue.

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

A friend of the deceased, Mary Ann Chika, said she was the one who confirmed Alabede’s death at the hospital after she was pronounced dead.

According to her, medical personnel provided limited details about the circumstances surrounding the incident but indicated that the student’s heart stopped beating during the donation process.

Health Canada confirmed that it has received two reports of fatal adverse reactions linked to plasma donation procedures in Winnipeg. The cases were recorded in October 2025 and on January 30, 2026.

While the agency did not disclose the identity of the second victim, it stated that the individual also died after donating plasma at another Grifols facility located on Innovation Drive.

The federal regulator said investigations were ongoing and that no direct link had yet been established between the plasma donations and the deaths.

Health Canada added that inspectors had been dispatched to the affected facilities to assess compliance with safety regulations.

Plasma, the pale yellow liquid component of blood, accounts for slightly more than half of total blood volume. During the donation process, blood is drawn from the donor and processed to separate the plasma, while the remaining components, including red blood cells, are returned to the body.

Medical experts note that plasma contains vital proteins such as immunoglobulins that support the immune system and clotting factors used in the treatment of bleeding disorders, liver disease and certain infections.

Although the procedure is widely considered safe, donors may experience side effects including dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, bruising or fainting.

Grifols, a Spain-based healthcare company that operates several plasma collection centres across Canada, expressed sympathy to the families affected by the incidents.

In a statement, the company said available information did not indicate a connection between the deaths and the plasma donation procedures.

“We have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation,” the company said, adding that all potential donors undergo a comprehensive medical screening, including a health history review and physical examination, before being cleared to donate.

Plasma donation centres in Canada provide honorarium payments to donors, with individuals able to receive up to $100 per session, alongside bonuses for frequent donations.

Canadian regulations require plasma collection facilities to report any serious adverse reaction experienced by a donor during the procedure or within 72 hours afterward to Health Canada.