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 component of blood and accounts for slightly more than half of the total blood volume.
Health Canada confirmed 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 relocated 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 explained that doctors shared limited information but informed 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 following a donation at Grifols’ Innovation Drive location in Winnipeg.
The agency did not disclose the identity of the second individual.
The federal regulator said it has not established a link between the plasma donations and the deaths and is still reviewing the reports.
It also stated that officials were sent to inspect the clinics after the incidents.
Plasma donation is similar to blood donation. However, 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 procedure is generally regarded as safe.
Plasma contains immunoglobulins that help strengthen the immune system and clotting factors that help control bleeding. These components are used in the treatment of infections, bleeding disorders and liver disease.
However, donors are advised that side effects may occur, including fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, bruising and fainting.
Grifols, which has operated in Winnipeg since 2022 after acquiring Canadian Plasma Resources, expressed sympathy 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 added that all donors undergo a comprehensive health history review and physical examination before they are approved to donate.
Plasma donors at the centres may receive honorarium payments of up to $100 per donation, with additional bonuses offered for frequent donors.
Under Canadian regulations, all plasma collection facilities are required to report any serious reaction experienced by a donor during the procedure or within 72 hours after donation to Health Canada.