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.
Health Canada said it received two reports of fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors — 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 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 in Winnipeg. Alabede had moved from Nigeria in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg.
A friend, Mary Ann Chika, said she identified Alabede at the hospital after she was pronounced dead. According to her, doctors provided limited details but said the student’s heart stopped beating while she was donating plasma.
Health Canada said the second fatal case occurred on January 30 after a donation at Grifols’ Innovation Drive clinic in Winnipeg, though the identity of the donor has not been disclosed.
The federal regulator said it has not established a direct link between the plasma donations and the deaths and is still reviewing the reports. Officials have also inspected the clinics following the incidents.
Plasma donation is similar to blood donation. Blood is drawn from the donor, the plasma — a pale yellow liquid rich in antibodies — is separated, and the remaining blood components 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 used to control bleeding. These components are used in treatments for infections, bleeding disorders and liver disease. However, donors may experience side effects such as fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, bruising or 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 it had no evidence linking the deaths to plasma donation, adding that all donors undergo detailed health history checks and physical examinations before being cleared to donate.