Paid HIV rapid testing in general medicine private practice in French Guiana: a pilot project

•A pilot project using rapid HIV tests in the context of private practice was developed.•Physicians were provided with rapid tests and were paid to perform the rapid test.•About 4868 tests were performed, among which 43 were positive.•HIV rapid testing in private practice was feasible and acceptable for patients and practitioners in French Guiana.•This pilot study scaled up into regional policy throughout French Guiana.