Definitely; I haven't heard of those initiatives; however two things strike me; one is that I'd bet that a lot of long-term programs like that (if not those actual ones) are started off independently of government.
Secondly, anything to do with cancer, Alzheimer and heart disease, will always be popular, because most people know somebody who has been effected by at least one of those things.
It is the long-term problems that seem abstract in people's mind; like for instance, meaningful policies to tackle climate change. These are so unquantifiable in the minds of the public, that major long-term spending happens in drips and drabs, when it's politically convenient.
Please feel free to make another comment tree if we run out and you have more to say :-)
Cg