Canadian health authorities are 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 part of blood. It makes up a little
over half of the total volume of blood.
Health Canada confirmed that it received two reports of
fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors, one in October 2025 and
another on January 30, 2026.
The deaths occurred at clinics operated by Grifols, a
Spanish healthcare company that runs several plasma collection centres across
Canada.
One of the victims, Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian
student, died on October 25 after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma
Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue.
Alabede moved from Nigeria to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at
the University of Winnipeg.
Mary Ann Chika, a friend of the student, said she identified
Alabede at the hospital after she was pronounced dead.
She said doctors provided little information but told her
that Alabede’s heart stopped beating while she was donating plasma at the
centre.
Health Canada said the second reported fatal adverse
reaction occurred on January 30 after a donation at Grifols’ Innovation Drive
location in Winnipeg.
The agency did not release details about the identity of the
second person.
The federal regulator said it has not established a link
between the plasma donations and the deaths and is still assessing the reports.
It added that it sent staff to inspect the clinics following
the incidents.
Plasma donation is similar to blood donation, but after
blood is drawn, the plasma, a pale yellow liquid rich in antibodies, is
separated while the red blood cells are returned to the donor’s body.
The process is generally considered safe.
Plasma contains immunoglobulins that help strengthen the
immune system and clotting factors that help control bleeding. These components
are used to treat infections, bleeding disorders and liver disease.
However, donors are warned that side effects can occur,
including fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, bruising and fainting.
Grifols, which has operated in Winnipeg since 2022 after
acquiring Canadian Plasma Resources, expressed condolences to the families of
the deceased.
In a statement, the company said based on available
information, “we have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between
the donors’ passing and plasma donation”.
The company said all donors undergo a detailed health
history review and physical examination before being cleared to donate.
Plasma donors at the centres can receive honorarium payments
of up to $100 per donation, with additional bonuses offered for frequent
donations.
Under Canadian regulations, all
plasma collection facilities must report any serious reaction experienced by a
donor during the procedure or within 72 hours after donation to Health Canada.
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