Health Promotion and Critical Education

This paper discusses Health Promotion and Critical Education, and seeks to show the theoretical and conceptual interfaces between them. It indicates the transformation and supersession of different health education models and their relationships with the health-disease process and health promotion. Based on these distinct health education models, it points out the implications that the directions within pedagogical practice and the knowledge produced through education represent for individual and collective health. It puts the discussion into context by analyzing seven international documents: Letters and Statements on Health Promotion, which were released by the World Health Organization and by the Pan-American Health Organization, between 1986 and 2000. Points that emphasize education within this specific field are highlighted. It is concluded that in order to implement the proposals contained in these documents, the contributions of Critical Education are necessary and essential for promoting health.