Two people, including a 22-year-old Nigerian student, have died after donating blood plasma at for-profit collection centres in Winnipeg, Canada.
Health Canada confirmed it received reports of two fatal reactions in plasma donors—one in October 2025 and another on January 30, 2026. The federal agency is reviewing the cases but has not confirmed a connection between the donations and the deaths. The company that operates the centres, Grifols, said it has no reason to believe the deaths are related to plasma donation.
Rodiyat Alabede, originally from Nigeria, moved to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg, aiming to become a social worker. Friends described her as cheerful and caring, with a strong passion for helping people with disabilities. She died on October 25 after attending an appointment at Grifols’ Taylor Avenue centre.
One close friend, Mary Ann Chika, said Alabede’s heart stopped during the donation, and she was declared dead before arriving at hospital. “She held a big place in my heart. She had so many dreams, especially when she came to Canada,” Chika said.
The second fatal reaction was reported on January 30 at Grifols’ Innovation Drive location. Health Canada did not release details about the second individual due to privacy laws.
Grifols, a Spanish company that produces plasma-derived medicines, operates more than a dozen centres across Canada. The company has run two Winnipeg locations since 2022, where donors receive payments of up to $100 per donation, with additional bonuses for frequent donations.
All plasma collection centres in Canada are regulated by Health Canada, which requires reporting any serious donor reactions during or within 72 hours of donation. The agency continues to assess the two deaths.
