A Nigerian international student and another donor have died after donating plasma at private collection centres in Winnipeg, Canada, prompting an investigation by health authorities.
One of the victims was identified as 22-year-old Rodiyat Alabede, who had moved to Canada in 2022 to study at the University of Winnipeg. She was reportedly training to become a social worker and was active within the Nigerian Muslim community in the city.
Alabede died on October 25 after donating plasma at a clinic on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg. According to reports, she became unresponsive during the procedure and was later pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.
Canadian authorities confirmed that another donor also died following a separate plasma donation incident on January 30 at another clinic location in Winnipeg. The identity of the second donor has not been disclosed due to privacy laws.
Health authorities in Canada said they have received reports of the two fatal adverse reactions and have begun reviewing the incidents. Officials stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The clinics involved are operated by a healthcare company that runs several plasma collection centres across Canada. The company expressed condolences to the families and said it has no evidence at this stage linking the deaths directly to the plasma donation procedures.
Plasma donation involves drawing blood from a donor, separating the plasma, and returning the remaining blood components to the body. The process is generally considered safe, though donors may sometimes experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
