The aim is the analysis of federal relations in the implementation of the Programa Academia da Saúde (Health Academy Program) in municipalities of the state of São Paulo. We conducted a case study with documental analysis and semi-structured interviews; we used the theoretical framework of the Policy Cycle. There was direct induction of the Ministry of Health in the municipality through standardization, political interests and financial incentive. The participation of the states is bureaucratic and restricted to the Comissão Intergestora Bipartite. Municipalities are financially dependent for implementation. It has not been seen a concrete possibility of adjustments to the program to local and regional realities.
Health policy; Federalism; Health Promotion