This article debates the work of authors who assert that creating channels of participation in developing countries in general, and in Latin America in particular, is too difficult a task. The weakness of both the political institutions and the civil society in those countries would be to blame for the matter. In the field of health, the initiatives to promote users´ participation would have supposedly resulted in failure. However, the Brazilian experience with health councils and health conferences does not quite subscribe such statements. The article also examines the historical origins, the creation of these forums and the politico-institutional role they play in the context of the Brazilian health system´s reform. Finally, the article analyzes the factors which determine the success of a participation- inclusive process in health councils and conferences.
participation; health councils; health conferences