Health authorities in Canada have launched an investigation into the deaths of two plasma donors — one of them a Nigerian international student — following donations at private plasma collection centres in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Plasma, the liquid component of blood, accounts for slightly more than half of the body’s total blood volume.
Health Canada confirmed it received two reports of fatal adverse reactions linked to plasma donation procedures — the first in October 2025 and the second on January 30, 2026.
Both incidents occurred at clinics run by Grifols, a Spanish healthcare firm that operates several plasma collection facilities across the country.
One of the victims was Ms. Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian student who died on October 25 after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre.
Alabede relocated from Nigeria to Winnipeg in 2022 to pursue her studies at the University of Winnipeg.
Ms. Mary Ann Chika, a close friend of the student, said she later identified Alabede’s body at the hospital after she was pronounced dead.
She said doctors offered limited details but informed her that the student’s heart stopped while she was undergoing the plasma donation procedure.
Health Canada also disclosed that the second fatal incident occurred on January 30 after a donor gave plasma at Grifols’ facility on Innovation Drive in Winnipeg.
Authorities did not disclose the identity of the second individual.
The regulator said it has yet to determine whether the plasma donation procedures were connected to the deaths and is continuing its review of the cases.
Officials added that inspection teams were dispatched to the clinics after the incidents were reported.
Plasma donation is similar to blood donation. During the process, blood is drawn from the donor and the plasma — a pale yellow fluid rich in antibodies — is separated. The remaining blood components, including red blood cells, are then returned to the donor.
The procedure is generally regarded as safe and is widely used to collect plasma for medical treatments.
Plasma contains immunoglobulins that help strengthen the immune system as well as clotting factors that assist in controlling bleeding. These components are often used in treating infections, bleeding disorders, and liver disease.
However, donors are warned that side effects may occur, including fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, bruising, and fainting.
Grifols, which began operations in Winnipeg in 2022 after acquiring Canadian Plasma Resources, extended its condolences to the families affected.
In a statement, the company said based on the information currently available, “we have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation”.
The firm added that all prospective donors are required to complete a detailed medical 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, along with bonus incentives for frequent donors.
Under Canadian regulations, plasma collection facilities must report any serious reactions experienced by donors during the procedure or within 72 hours after donation to Health Canada.
