Tragedy Strikes as Nigerian Student and Another Donor Die After Plasma Collection in Canada
Two individuals, including a 22-year-old international student from Nigeria, have died following plasma donations at a for-profit collection center in Winnipeg, Canada. The fatalities are currently under review by Health Canada, the federal regulatory body, which confirmed receiving reports of two fatal adverse reactions in plasma donors—one occurring in October of last year and the other on January 30, 2026.
Details of the Incidents
Rodiyat Alabede, the Nigerian student, passed away on October 25 after visiting the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue to donate plasma. Originally from Nigeria, Alabede moved to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg, with aspirations of becoming a social worker. Her close friend, Mary Ann Chika, described her as a happy and dream-driven individual who held a significant place in her heart.
Chika, who identified Alabede in the hospital after her death, recounted that doctors provided limited information but indicated that Alabede's heart stopped beating during the plasma donation at the center. She was pronounced dead before arriving at the hospital.
The second reported fatal adverse reaction occurred on January 30 at Grifols' Innovation Drive location. Health Canada has not disclosed further details about this individual due to privacy laws.
Regulatory and Corporate Response
Health Canada is actively assessing these reports but has not established a direct link between the plasma collection and the deaths. Grifols, a Spanish-based company specializing in plasma medicines, operates over a dozen plasma collection centers in Canada, including two in Winnipeg acquired in 2022. In an emailed statement, a Grifols spokesperson stated that an internal review was conducted, and based on current information, there is no reason to believe a correlation exists between the donors' deaths and plasma donation.
All plasma collection establishments in Canada are regulated by Health Canada and must report serious donor reactions occurring during or within 72 hours after donation.
Background on Plasma Donation Practices
Grifols' centers offer payments to plasma donors, with amounts up to $100 per donation and additional bonuses for frequent donations, such as a $50 bonus for every 10 donations within six weeks. This for-profit model has raised questions about donor safety and regulatory oversight in light of these tragic events.
The community and authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations proceed, highlighting concerns over the safety protocols at plasma donation facilities.
