Nigerian Student, One Other Die After Giving Plasma at For-Profit Collection Centers. Health Canada Begins Investigation
Two people, including 22-year-old Nigerian student Rodiyat Alabede, have d+ed after donating plasma at Winnipeg centres that pay for donations, CBC News reports.
The d+aths, which occurred in October 2025 and January 2026, are under review by Health Canada. The federal regulator confirmed receiving reports of fatal adverse reactions in plasma donors but said it has not established a link between the donations and the d+aths. The company operating the centres, Grifols, stated it has “no reason to believe” the d+aths are connected to plasma collection.
Alabede d+ed on Oct. 25 after attending an appointment at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue. “She was always happy. She had so many dreams, especially when she came to Canada,” said close friend Mary Ann Chika.
“She held a big place in my heart.” Originally from Nigeria, Alabede moved to Winnipeg in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg with aspirations of becoming a social worker and helping people with disabilities, Chika said.
Chika identified Alabede at the hospital after she was pronounced d+ad. She said doctors shared limited information, only confirming that Alabede’s heart stopped while giving plasma. “And before she arrived at the hospital, she had already passed,” Chika said.
The second reported fatal reaction occurred on Jan. 30, 2026, at Grifols’ Innovation Drive location. Health Canada did not provide further details due to privacy laws.
Health Canada continues to assess both cases as part of its review of plasma donor safety.
