[Community participation patterns in health programs]

The study of some Latin American experiences of participation of the community in health programs allows us to consider the following as minimum requirements to establish interrelationships between local health organisms and the community: a) To have a local health system. b) To have a participating health them. c) To show respect for the community. d) To have contact with community organizations. e) To have contact with private and government organizations at a local level. The models for participation of the community in health are manifold and the experiences have been countless. For teaching purpose and based on Latin American experiences, some considerations are made regarding: 1) Community health volunteers. 2) Local health councils. 3) Local councils for community development. 4) Health brigades. Finally, it is concluded that the active participation of the community organized in health activities is the best guarantee of success in implementing integral health programs.