The field of health promotion in public health has been formed by historical contributions of community health, preventive medicine and social epidemiology. In this article the author proposes a synthesis of the main issues that are integrated and conform Health Promotion. In our view, the challenge of Health Promotion is this interface between good practices in public health and the historical context, marked by a globalization and hegemony of biomedical practices. This article deals with three main issues for Health Promotion: limitations of the biomedical model, enlargement of health concept and the difference between prevention and promotion. Based on documents, the author points out the importance of community participation for Health promotion in Latin America.
Health Promotion; Public Health; Community Participation