Authorities in Canada have launched an investigation following the death of 22-year-old Nigerian student Rodiyat Alabede after a blood plasma donation in Winnipeg.
Alabede reportedly became unresponsive during a plasma donation procedure at a clinic operated by Grifols on Taylor Avenue. She was rushed to hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
The deceased had moved to Canada in 2022 to pursue studies at University of Winnipeg, where she was training to become a social worker.
Following the incident, Health Canada confirmed it had received reports of two fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors in Winnipeg — one in October 2025 and another in January 2026. The federal health regulator said inspectors have been deployed to review the facilities involved.
However, authorities said investigations are ongoing and no direct link has yet been established between the plasma donation and the deaths.
Plasma donation involves extracting blood from a donor, separating the plasma — the liquid portion used in producing life-saving medicines — and returning the remaining blood components to the body. While the procedure is generally considered safe, mild side effects such as dizziness or fainting can sometimes occur.
The clinic operator has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that there is currently no evidence the deaths were caused by the donation process.
The incident has nevertheless raised concerns among members of the Nigerian community and international students in Canada, many of whom rely on paid plasma donation programmes as a source of additional income.
