Evolución conceptual y normativa de la promoción de la salud en Colombia

the modification of the colombian health system promoted by the constitution of 1991 and materialized through the implementation of law 100 of 1993 included health promotion in the benefits plans of the social security health system. as it was initially outlined in the ottawa letter, health promotion should be oriented to the development of social, economic, environmental and political conditions for the improvement of health and should encourage the execution of articulated actions between sectors, institutions, individuals and communities. eighteen years after law 100, health promotion is still to be developed in accordance to its conceptual and operative fundamental aspects. this article reviews the evolution of the concepts and regulations promulgated in colombia on this subject, pointing out the misunderstandings, progress and setbacks of the implementation of the different decrees and resolutions. salud uis 2011; 43 (3): 299-306