$100 Plasma Donation Turns Tragic: Nigerian student dies in Canada

Nigerian Student and Another Person Die After Plasma Donation in Canada
Canadian health officials are investigating the deaths of two people, including a Nigerian international student, after they donated plasma at private clinics in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Plasma is the liquid part of blood and makes up a little more than half of the blood’s total volume.

Canada’s health regulator said it received two reports of serious reactions that led to death after plasma donations. One case happened in October 2025, and the other on January 30, 2026.

Both donations took place at clinics run by Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company that operates plasma collection centres across Canada.

One of the victims was Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian student. She died on October 25, 2025, after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Alabede moved from Nigeria to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg.

A friend of the student, Mary Ann Chika, said she later identified Alabede’s body at the hospital after doctors confirmed her death. She said doctors gave little information but told her that Alabede’s heart stopped beating during the plasma donation process.

Health officials also reported another death on January 30, 2026, after a plasma donation at another Grifols clinic on Innovation Drive in Winnipeg. Authorities did not release the name of the second person who died.

The regulator said it has not yet confirmed whether the plasma donation caused the deaths. Investigators have been sent to inspect the clinics.

Plasma donation works in a similar way to blood donation. Blood is taken from the donor, the plasma is separated, and the remaining red blood cells are returned to the body.

The process is generally considered safe.
Plasma contains important substances like antibodies that help the immune system and clotting factors that help control bleeding. These are used to treat infections, bleeding disorders, and liver disease.

However, some donors may experience side effects such as:
Tiredness
Dehydration
Dizziness
Bruising
Fainting

Grifols expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased. The company said it currently has no evidence that the deaths were directly caused by plasma donation.

The company also explained that donors usually go through a medical history review and a physical check before they are allowed to donate.

At these centres, plasma donors can receive payments of up to $100 per donation, with extra bonuses for frequent donors.

Canadian rules require plasma centres to report any serious reaction that happens during the donation or within 72 hours after the donation to Health Canada.