Investigation begins after Nigerian student dies during plasma donation at clinic in Canada

The federal department of the Canadian government responsible for supporting citizens in maintaining and improving their health, Health Canada, has commenced an investigation into the deaths of two plasma donors at for-profit clinics in Winnipeg, Manitoba. One of the deceased is a 22-year-old Nigerian international student, according to a report by The New York Times on Friday.

The agency confirmed that it received mandatory reports from the clinics following fatal adverse reactions that occurred after procedures in October 2025 and January 2026, slightly more than three months apart. The incidents happened at facilities operated by Grifols, a Spanish healthcare company that runs 17 clinics across Canada, including two in Winnipeg.
Following the reports, Health Canada deployed inspectors to the two facilities.
According to The New York Times, friends identified one of the victims as Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old Nigerian international student whose parents are from Nigeria and Ivory Coast. She was studying to become a social worker and was active in the Muslim Nigerian community in Winnipeg.
Authorities did not disclose the identity of the second donor. Both the examiner’s office and Health Canada cited privacy laws for withholding the information.
Stephanie Holfeld, Executive Director of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manitoba, told the newspaper that Alabede became unresponsive during the donation procedure and died shortly afterward. However, she explained that the death has not yet been formally linked to the plasma donation, adding that “certain investigative steps may still be in progress.”
Speaking about her, Chioma Ijoma said: “She had a motherly side to her. She was protective and sweet. She never gave up, even when things got difficult for her.”
Grifols, in a statement, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
The company said it currently has no evidence suggesting a direct link between the deaths and plasma donation.
“We have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation,” the company said.
Grifols added that donors undergo thorough health screening before being cleared to donate. It also confirmed that both incidents were reported within the required 72-hour period and that it has begun an internal investigation.
Plasma donation involves drawing blood from a donor, separating the plasma from the red blood cells, and returning the red blood cells to the donor.
In Canada and the United States, the process is often used by financially struggling students and low-income earners as a way to supplement their income.
Grifols advertises that regular donors can earn about 6,000 Canadian dollars annually, equivalent to roughly 4,400 US dollars or about 7.2 million naira. (THE PUNCH)