A 22-year-old Nigerian student, Rodiyat Alabede, has died after suffering complications during a plasma donation procedure in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, prompting an investigation by Health Canada.
According to reports, Alabede became unresponsive while donating plasma at a clinic operated by Grifols, a Spanish healthcare firm that runs multiple plasma donation centres across Canada.
She reportedly died shortly after the procedure. Officials from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manitoba confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death. The Executive Director of the office, Stephanie Holfeld, explained that although the student lost consciousness during the procedure, authorities have not yet established a direct link between the plasma donation and her death.
Health Canada said it had received mandatory reports from the clinic following the fatal incident and another similar case involving a second donor whose identity has not been made public. The two deaths reportedly occurred within a three-month period, prompting federal inspectors to visit the facilities involved.
Alabede, described by friends as kind and resilient, was an active member of the Nigerian Muslim community in Winnipeg. She was a social works student and was known among peers for her supportive and caring personality.
In a statement, Grifols expressed condolences to the families affected by the incidents but said it currently had no evidence suggesting a direct connection between the plasma donation procedures and the deaths. The company added that donors are usually subjected to detailed medical screenings before being allowed to donate.
Plasma donation involves drawing blood from a donor, separating the plasma, and returning the remaining blood components to the body. The plasma is used to produce life-saving therapies for patients with immune disorders and other medical conditions.
In Canada and the United States, the practice has become a source of income for many students and low-income earners, as some clinics offer financial compensation for regular donors.
Authorities say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are continuing.
